Nigeria’s Onome Ebi officially announced her retirement in September 2025, closing a 22-year international career that began in 2003. Born May 8, 1983, in Lagos, the centre-back earned 109 caps for Nigeria – the most of any female player – and remains Africa’s record-holder for Women’s World Cup appearances. In 2019, she became the first African (male or female) to play in five World Cups, a record she extended to six by featuring in the 2023 tournament. With four African Championship (WAFCON) titles (2010, 2014, 2016, 2018) to her name, Ebi retires as one of Nigeria’s all-time greats.
From Lagos Streets to Super Falcons Captain
Onome’s journey is a story of grit and determination. She began playing football on the dusty streets of Ajegunle, Lagos, as a young girl, mixing it up with the neighborhood boys. Her talent soon earned her a place at local clubs: debuting in 2001 with Omidiran Babes (Oshogbo) and later starring for Bayelsa Queens (Yenagoa). Ebi sacrificed formal education to pursue her dream – she dropped out of school in 2002 to focus on football, a decision she never regretted as her career took off. By 2003, she had forced her way into the Super Falcons: coach Sam Okpodu invited 20-year-old Ebi to Nigeria’s squad for the 2003 FIFA Women’s World Cup. From that debut on the international stage, she became a steady leader and mainstay of the national team, earning the nickname “Bayelsa Queen” in honor of her origins and club.
Record-Breaking International Career
Onome Ebi’s longevity and consistency are remarkable. She represented Nigeria at six FIFA Women’s World Cups (2003, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019, 2023) – the first African player ever to reach that mark. She also wore the green-and-white of the Super Falcons at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, and dominated African competitions. A defensive rock, Ebi helped Nigeria win the African Women’s Championship four times (2010, 2014, 2016, 2018). By the end of her career, she had accumulated a record 109 international caps. In each tournament, she displayed tenacity and leadership – traits that inspired teammates and struck fear into opponents.
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World Cup Appearances: 6 (2003–2023) – a record for any African footballer.
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African Champion: 4 titles (2010, 2014, 2016, 2018) at the Women’s AFCON.
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National Caps: 109 for Nigeria – the most ever for a Super Falcons player.
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Other Honors: Member of Nigeria’s squad at the 2008 Olympics, Footballer of the Year (Nigeria) 2018; IFFHS CAF Women’s Team of the Decade 2011–2020 (among other accolades).
Each achievement is a testament to her fighting spirit. Even at age 40, Ebi came off the bench in Nigeria’s dramatic 3–2 win over Australia at the 2023 World Cup. Her consistency over two decades – maintaining peak fitness and form – became an inspiration to young players across Africa.
Clubs and Global Triumphs
Ebi’s success was not confined to Nigeria. She began her club journey at Omidiran Babes and Bayelsa Queens, then earned moves abroad. In Europe, she played in Sweden (Piteå IF, Djurgårdens IF, Sunnanå SK), Turkey (Düvenciler Lisesispor, Ataşehir Belediyespor), and Belarus (FC Minsk). Abroad, she proved herself a winner: with Ataşehir she won two Turkish league titles, and with FC Minsk she captured the Belarusian league, cup, and two Super Cups. Later stints took her to China (Henan Jianye) and Spain (Levante Las Planas), broadening her horizons. All along, Ebi’s global experience “sharpened her adaptability” and honed her play, a background she credits with preparing her to mentor younger Nigerians. Her journey from domestic champions in Lagos and Yenagoa to trophy-winning teams abroad shows the path she blazed for others to follow.
A Champion’s Legacy
On retirement, tributes poured in for the Super Falcons icon. Teammates and fans hailed her as a role model – a player whose tenacity and grace on the field inspired generations. In her farewell message, Ebi reflected on her emotional journey: “Today, I officially retire from professional football. The journey has been filled with challenges, victories, and lessons that have shaped me into who I am today. And yet she made clear this is not an end: “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”.
These words sum up her legacy: a champion who never gave up and who now lifts others as she leaves the stage. Onome Ebi’s story—from the streets of Lagos to lifting trophies around the world—will be told and retold by Nigerian football fans for years to come. As one of Africa’s most decorated female athletes, she closes her boots at 42, having carved a path for every young girl dreaming of football glory
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