Falcons star announces retirement, reflects on 22-year football journey

Falcons star announces retirement, reflects on 22-year football journey

Abdullateef Fowewe

Ifeoma Onumonu, a celebrated star of the Super Falcons and a prominent figure in women’s football, has officially announced her retirement from playing.

In a heartfelt statement, Onumonu expressed deep gratitude as she bids farewell to her on-pitch career that spanned over two decades.

“It is with a heart full of gratitude that I bid farewell to my playing career on the pitch,” Onumonu wrote.

She reminisced about her early days, saying, “I started playing football when I was eight years old, on a team called the Magic. I didn’t much care about winning or losing; I just loved playing. I loved discovering what my body could do and what I could do with the ball.”

Looking back on her remarkable career, Onumonu highlighted some of her proudest moments, including lifting an NWSL championship trophy, representing Nigeria at the Olympics and the World Cup, and helping the Super Falcons win the African Cup of Nations for a historic 10th time.

“This has been an incredible journey. I feel I have reached a natural conclusion to that discovery,” she added.

Despite retiring from active play, Onumonu underlined that this is not an end but “a new beginning.”

She is eager to explore opportunities beyond the pitch, bringing forward the skills and lessons she gained throughout her career.

She concluded by thanking everyone who supported her, “Thank you to all the staff, teammates, coaches, doctors, fans, and my incredible friends and family for your unwavering support, my love and devotion for this game will never waver.”