The Super Falcons have honored Captain Onome Ebi for her contributions to Nigerian women’s football after her retirement from professional football.
Teammate Rasheedat Ajibade shared a poignant statement on X on Thursday, praising Ebi’s leadership and legacy.
“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.
“Your four WAFCON titles and historic six FIFA Women’s World Cup appearances have made you a beacon of excellence for our team.
“You have been more than a captain. You’ve been a trailblazer who paved the way for this generation of players,” the Super Falcons wrote.
The team spoke on Onome’s early days with Bayelsa Queens to her success on worldwide stages in Sweden, Turkey, China, and Spain, and back home in Nigeria, praising her for demonstrating that no desire is too huge and no barrier is too high.
“Your resilience has inspired us to push beyond limits and believe in our potential to continue to make history.
“As you retire from professional football, we celebrate your monumental legacy and wish you boundless success in your next chapter.
“Your promise to mentor and uplift young African footballers ensures your impact will echo for generations.
“Thank you, Onome, for being our hero. Cheers to a legacy that will never fade!” the statement concluded.
Ebi concludes a 20-year career with the national team, having earned 109 caps, the most of any Nigerian female player, and won four African Women’s Championship titles.
She also made history in 2023 by becoming the first African footballer, male or female, to compete in six FIFA Women’s World Cups.
In her post on Wednesday on X, Ebi reflected on her career: “Today, I officially retire from professional football.
“The journey has been filled with challenges, victories, and lessons that shaped me into who I am today.
“Though I hang up my boots, my purpose in the game continues to be to give back, to guide, and to be a voice for players.”
