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Summary
Super Falcons legend Onome Ebi has retired from international football after a record-breaking two-decade career, becoming the first African to play in six World Cups and winning four WAFCON titles.
Super Falcons veteran and Africa’s most capped World Cup player, Onome Ebi, has announced her retirement from international football. Her two-decade career secured her place among the greatest in African football history.
Onome Ebi became the first African player featured in six FIFA World Cups (2003, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019, and 2023). She also lifted the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) four times with Nigeria in 2010, 2014, 2016, and 2018. In total, she made 109 international appearances, scoring four goals while serving as a consistent leader and defensive anchor for the Super Falcons.
Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade led tributes on behalf of the team, praising her remarkable impact:
“On behalf of every member of the Super Falcons, we extend our deepest gratitude to you, Captain Onome Ebi, for your extraordinary service and leadership over the past two decades,” Ajibade said.
Onome’s influence went beyond national success. She won titles abroad in Turkey and Belarus, including two Turkish Women’s Football League championships, two Belarusian Women’s Super Cups, and the Belarusian Premier League and Cup.
In recognition of her impact, the International Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHS) named her in the CAF Women’s Team of the Decade (2011–2020) and later in the All-time Africa Women’s Dream Team (2021).
Beyond her titles and accolades, Onome Ebi has been celebrated as a role model who opened doors for younger generations of African women in football.
Confirming her retirement, she thanked fans, teammates, coaches, and the Nigerian Football Federation for their support throughout her career, describing her journey as one of resilience, pride, and joy.
“Though I hang up my boots, my purpose in the game continues — to give back, to guide, and to be a voice for players across Africa and beyond,” she said.
