Onome Ebi (born 8 May 1983 in Lagos, Nigeria) built her name as a legendary centre-back and captain of the Super Falcons. She made history as the first African footballer, male or female, to appear in six FIFA World Cups. Known for her resilience, discipline, and leadership, she carried the Nigerian jersey with pride across two decades before officially announcing her retirement in July 2025.
Onome Ebi Education and Early Career
Ebi grew up in Lagos and developed a passion for football early in her childhood. She began her career with Bayelsa Queens in the Nigerian Women’s Championship, where she laid the foundation for her future success. Her strong defensive skills and work ethic attracted international attention, opening doors for her to play abroad.
Onome Ebi Major Life Events
Ebi made her international debut for Nigeria in 2003 and quickly established herself as a cornerstone of the team. Moving abroad presented challenges: she struggled with Sweden’s harsh climate while playing for Piteå IF and Djurgårdens IF, admitting that the cold weather made it difficult to deliver her best football. She called her time in Turkey with Ataşehir Belediyespor more enjoyable because of its favorable weather and professional setup.
A turning point came in 2012 when she made her UEFA Women’s Champions League debut with Ataşehir. Later, she joined FC Minsk in Belarus, where she won the Belarusian Premier League, Belarusian Women’s Cup, and Belarusian Super Cup twice. She even switched jersey numbers from 5 to 55 to preserve her personal connection to the number.
Another milestone came in 2019, when she became the first African footballer to play in five FIFA Women’s World Cups. She pushed the record even further in 2023, becoming the first African, male or female, to appear in six World Cups at the age of 40, featuring against Australia in Nigeria’s famous 3–2 win. That same year, she signed with Naija Ratels FC in Abuja, deliberately choosing to return home to the Nigerian Women’s Football League after more than a decade abroad, despite offers from other clubs.
Onome Ebi Professional Achievements
Ebi built a decorated international and club career. She earned over 109 caps for the Super Falcons, scoring 4 goals. She represented Nigeria in six FIFA Women’s World Cups (2003, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019, 2023) and in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. She also competed in seven Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (2008, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2022), winning four titles in 2010, 2014, 2016, and 2018.
At club level, she lifted trophies in multiple countries. With FC Minsk in Belarus, she won the domestic league, cup, and super cup twice each. In Turkey, she played for Düvenciler Lisesispor and Ataşehir Belediyespor, winning league titles. In China, she signed for Henan Jianye in 2018. Her career also spanned stints in Sweden and Spain.
Her consistency and longevity earned her major recognition. She won the NFF-Aiteo Female Player of the Year in 2018, she appeared in the IFFHS CAF Women’s Team of the Decade (2011–2020), and she was named to the IFFHS All-Time Africa Women’s Dream Team in 2021.
Onome Ebi Personal Life
Ebi remained grounded despite her global success. She openly shared her story of leaving school early to pursue football, showing her sacrifice and commitment to the game. Teammates fondly nicknamed her “Mama” for her leadership and nurturing presence in the squad. She embraced family values and used her platform to inspire younger women to chase their dreams in sports.
Onome Ebi Legacy and Impact
Ebi’s career redefined what longevity means in women’s football. She set new records that place her in global football history, not just African history. Her participation in six World Cups and multiple WAFCONs solidified her as a trailblazer. Her decision to return to Nigeria in 2023 highlighted her commitment to building the local league and mentoring upcoming players. She inspired generations of Nigerian women to believe in themselves, proving that passion and perseverance can conquer challenges.
Conclusion
Onome Ebi’s story embodies resilience, excellence, and legacy. From her beginnings in Lagos to world football’s grandest stages, she broke barriers and lifted trophies while mentoring others. Her retirement in 2025 closed one of the most iconic chapters in African football history. Her journey remains a powerful lesson: with sacrifice, discipline, and belief, true greatness lasts beyond the field.
Leave a Reply