Ifeoma Onumonu, the Nigerian international footballer, has officially announced her retirement from professional soccer at 31, according to Soccernet.ng.
The Super Falcons striker shared an emotional farewell on Instagram, reflecting on a career that spanned over twenty years, beginning in her childhood.
“With a heart full of appreciation, I say goodbye to my playing days on the field,” Onumonu expressed.
Raised in California, Onumonu’s passion for football ignited at the tender age of eight while playing for a local youth team named Magic.
“My main joy was sprinting with all my might and scoring goals,” she reminisced. “Winning or losing didn’t matter much to me; I simply loved the game. I enjoyed discovering the capabilities of my body and what I could achieve with the ball.”
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This enthusiasm propelled her journey from grassroots soccer in the U.S. to the pinnacle of women’s football worldwide.
Her club career included playing for Montpellier in France and several teams in the National Women’s Soccer League, such as Portland Thorns, Boston Breakers, Utah Royals, Reign FC, and Gotham FC.
On the international stage, she pledged her allegiance to Nigeria in 2021, representing the nation at the Olympics, FIFA Women’s World Cup, and the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. She played a key role in securing the Falcons’ historic 10th continental championship.
“After 22 years, I feel I have reached a natural endpoint in my journey of self-discovery,” she reflected.
“I’ve had the honor of lifting an NWSL championship trophy, competing for Nigeria at the Olympics and World Cup, and contributing to the Super Falcons’ landmark 10th African Cup of Nations triumph.”
Though she is stepping away from active play, Onumonu emphasized that her connection to football remains strong.
“This isn’t a farewell to football but rather the start of a new chapter. I look forward to exploring opportunities beyond the pitch, applying the knowledge and experiences I’ve gained throughout my career.”
“I am deeply grateful to all the staff, teammates, coaches, medical teams, fans, and my wonderful friends and family for their steadfast support over the years. While my playing days have ended, my passion and commitment to this sport will endure forever.”
For the Super Falcons, Onumonu leaves behind a legacy as a player who embraced Nigeria later in her career but made a lasting impact in the national colors.
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