It is truly the end of an era in African women’s football. Nigerian legend Onome Ebi has officially called time on her remarkable professional journey, closing the curtain on a career that spanned nearly a quarter of a century.
From her debut on the international stage to becoming one of the most respected defenders of her generation, Ebi’s story is one of resilience, consistency, and unmatched passion for the game.
Over 24 years, she amassed a collection of silverware that few can rival:
4-time Women’s Africa Cup of Nations champion
2 Turkish Women’s League titles
2 Belarusian Women’s Super Cups
1 Belarusian Premier League title
1 Belarusian Women’s Cup (2014)
Beyond trophies, her individual brilliance earned her a place in history.
She was named in the IFFHS CAF Women’s Team of the Decade (2011–2020) and later cemented her legacy with inclusion in the IFFHS All-time Africa Women’s Dream Team (2021).
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Ebi also stands tall on the international stage:
109 caps for Nigeria
Six FIFA Women’s World Cup appearances – the most by any African player
Four international goals as a defender
For Nigerian football, and African football at large, Onome Ebi’s retirement marks the departure of a true pioneer and a symbol of excellence.
She leaves behind not only records but also inspiration for generations of players to come.