Super Falcons forward, Ifeoma Onumonu, has formally retired from professional football, with the curtains coming down on a over decade career that saw her play both for the United States and Nigeria internationally.
The 31-year-old forward made her way to her Instagram page on Saturday to make the announcement, writing she was leaving the sport “with a heart full of gratitude,” expressing thanks to teammates, coaches, and fans who had accompanied her along the way.
Born in California, Onumonu first played for the United States in its U-23 colours before she moved to Nigeria, where she became a key player in the Super Falcons. She was central as Nigeria claimed the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title, an event which added a key continental medal to her career honours.
Clubwise, Onumonu played for several of the top clubs in different leagues, featuring in the US’s National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) prior to moving to Europe, where she most recently featured for French club Montpellier. Her style of play, built around speed, creativity, and force, made her a dangerous forward capable of tormenting even the most recalcitrant defenses.
Fans and former teammates have already begun to mourn her, hailing her for her role in the sport of women’s football and her part in giving more profile to the women’s game, especially in Nigeria.
While hanging up her boots, Onumonu showed that her passion for the game still lives and hinted that she could still make a contribution to football in some other way away from the pitch.
Her retirement brings an end to an era for one of the most experienced Super Falcons forwards but also the beginning of a new chapter in her life outside professional football.
