Super Falcons forward Ifeoma Onumonu has retired from professional football, ending a remarkable career spanning over a decade.
The 31-year-old announced her decision on Instagram early Saturday, calling it a “natural conclusion” to a lifelong passion.
“It is with a heart full of gratitude that I bid farewell to my playing career,” Ifeoma Onumonu wrote.
She recalled starting football at age eight with a youth team called Magic in the United States.
“We played in white, black, and green jerseys. I just wanted to run and score,” she said. “Winning or losing didn’t matter; I simply loved playing.”
That early passion guided her for 22 years, leading to defining moments in both club and international football.
“I had the profound joy of lifting a NWSL championship trophy and representing Nigeria at major tournaments,” she shared. “Winning the African Cup of Nations for a 10th time was a dream fulfilled.”
Born in California to a Nigerian father, Ifeoma Onumonu made her Super Falcons debut in 2021. Since then, she represented Nigeria at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
She was also part of Nigeria’s victorious 2024 WAFCON squad, helping the team secure its record 10th continental title.
Although she played only 54 minutes against Algeria in Morocco, she remained one of the team’s senior leaders.
Her Olympic call-up came after she replaced Halimatu Ayinde, who withdrew due to injury.
Onumonu’s club career began in the NWSL, where she played for Boston Breakers, Portland Thorns, Reign FC, Utah Royals, and NJ/NY Gotham FC. Later, she joined France’s Montpellier HSC.
A graduate of the California Golden Bears program, she once represented the United States U-23 team before switching to Nigeria.
Renowned for her movement, composure, and professionalism, Ifeoma Onumonu earned deep respect across every team she represented.
Reflecting on her decision, she explained that retirement doesn’t mean leaving the sport entirely.
“This is not a goodbye to football, but a new beginning,” she said. “I’m eager to explore opportunities off the pitch.”
Ifeoma Onumonu thanked her teammates, coaches, medical staff, and fans for their constant support throughout her journey.
“Although my time as a player has ended, my devotion to this game will never fade,” she concluded.
