Super Falcons forward, Ifeoma Onumonu, has officially retired from professional football at the age of 31, drawing the curtain on a career that spanned more than a decade and inspired a new generation of women footballers across Nigeria and beyond.

 

Onumonu made the announcement on Monday via an emotional post on her Instagram page, expressing deep gratitude for the journey and the people who supported her along the way.

 

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

 

Born in the United States, Onumonu began her international career at youth level with the U.S. U-23 team before switching allegiance to Nigeria, where she went on to make a significant impact with the Super Falcons.

 

The versatile forward played for several top clubs in the U.S. National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), including Gotham FC and OL Reign, and most recently featured for French side Montpellier, where she concluded her professional club career.

 

On the international stage, Onumonu was a key part of the Nigerian national team setup, known for her tireless work rate, intelligent positioning, and ability to both create and score goals. She was a member of the historic squad that lifted the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), further cementing her place in the Super Falcons’ storied legacy.

 

Her retirement comes as a surprise to many fans, but the 31-year-old bows out at a time when her influence on and off the pitch is widely acknowledged.

Beyond her contributions in matches, Onumonu has long been admired for her professionalism, leadership, and advocacy for the growth of women’s football. Through her performances and public voice, she championed equity and visibility for female athletes, particularly those of African descent.

 

Many fans, teammates, and football stakeholders have taken to social media to pay tribute to her career, thanking her for her service to the game and wishing her well in her next chapter.

 

While she steps away from playing, Ifeoma Onumonu leaves behind a legacy of inspiration, having proven that determination, grace, and passion can take a player to the pinnacle of the sport—both at home and abroad.