Super Falcons striker Ifeoma Onumonu has officially announced her retirement from professional football, bringing an end to a remarkable career that spanned over a decade across the United States, France, and Nigeria.
In an emotional statement shared via her Instagram page on Saturday, the 31-year-old expressed deep gratitude for the journey, describing her retirement as a “natural conclusion” to a lifelong passion that began at the age of eight.
“It is with a heart full of gratitude that I bid farewell to my playing career on the pitch,” Onumonu wrote, recalling her earliest days playing for a youth team called Magic near her home in the U.S.
“We played in white, black, and green jerseys. I don’t remember if I had a position or even passed the ball. All I wanted to do was run and score. Winning or losing didn’t matter—I just loved playing.”
Onumonu’s career was defined by consistent growth and key achievements at both club and international levels. She highlighted some of her most memorable moments, including:
Winning the NWSL Championship
Representing Nigeria at the Olympics and the FIFA Women’s World Cup
Helping the Super Falcons lift the Africa Women Cup of Nations (AWCON) title for a record 10th time
“I had the profound pleasure of lifting an NWSL championship trophy, representing Nigeria at the Olympics and a World Cup, and helping to lift the African Cup of Nations trophy with the Super Falcons for a historic 10th time,” she added.
As she closes the chapter on her playing career, Onumonu leaves behind a legacy of dedication, pride, and excellence, having inspired countless young girls across continents.
