Super Falcons striker Ifeoma Onumonu has officially announced her retirement from professional football, concluding a successful career that spanned over 10 years across major leagues in the United States, France, and representing Nigeria on the international stage.
The 31-year-old shared her decision in an emotional statement on Instagram on Saturday, describing her exit as a “natural conclusion” to a journey that began when she was just eight years old.
“It is with a heart full of gratitude that I bid farewell to my playing career on the pitch,” she wrote, fondly recalling her early days with the youth side Magic in California and her lifelong love for the game.
A Legacy in Green and White
Onumonu made a significant impact after switching allegiance from the U.S. to the Super Falcons in 2021. She quickly became a fixture on the Nigerian squad, proudly representing the nation at the 2023 Women’s World Cup and the 2024 Paris Olympics. A crowning moment of her international career came in July 2025 when she was part of the team that clinched a record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title in Morocco.
Reflecting on her time with the Super Falcons, the California-born striker emphasized her immense pride in wearing Nigeria’s colours.
“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 stated, summarizing her remarkable list of accomplishments.
NWSL and European Success
At club level, Onumonu enjoyed an extensive career in the highly competitive National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), featuring for multiple teams including the Boston Breakers, Portland Thorns, Reign FC, Utah Royals, and NJ/NY Gotham FC, and she also lifted the coveted NWSL Championship trophy. She later took her talents to Europe, featuring for French side Montpellier HSC.
While she is stepping away from active play, Onumonu stressed that her bond with the sport remains strong. “This is not a goodbye to football, but a new beginning. I am excited to explore opportunities off the pitch, using the skills and lessons learned from my time on it.”
She concluded her message by thanking her family, coaches, medical staff, teammates, and the fans for their unwavering support, assuring them that her love for football will “never waver.”
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Source: Africa Top Sports
