Nigerian international footballer Ifeoma Onumonu has called time on her playing career, ending a journey that lasted more than 20 years.
The Super Falcons forward, who participated in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup held in Australia and New Zealand, made the announcement via Instagram on Saturday. In her message, she expressed deep appreciation for her experiences throughout her time in the sport.
“It is with a heart full of gratitude that I bid farewell to my playing career on the pitch,” Onumonu stated.
The 31-year-old recalled her earliest days in football, beginning at age eight with a youth team called the Magic. Playing in white, black, and green jerseys at AYSO fields close to her childhood home, she remembered being amazed by the size of the pitch and focused solely on running fast and finding the net.
“I didn’t much care about winning or losing; I just loved playing. I loved discovering what my body could do and what I could do with the ball,” she shared.
Onumonu went on to achieve significant milestones during her career. She won the National Women’s Soccer League championship in the United States and represented Nigeria at both the Olympics and the World Cup. She also contributed to the Super Falcons’ record 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations triumph.
“Now, 22 years later, I feel I have reached a natural conclusion to that discovery. It has been an incredible journey,” she said.
The retiring forward emphasized that stepping away from playing does not mean leaving football entirely. She plans to pursue new opportunities beyond the pitch, drawing on the experience and knowledge gained throughout her career.
Onumonu thanked the many people who supported her along the way, including staff members, teammates, coaches, medical professionals, supporters, friends, and family. She made clear that while her playing days have ended, her commitment to football remains unchanged.
Her professional career began with the Boston Breakers in the National Women’s Soccer League. She went on to represent multiple American clubs, among them Portland Thorns, Reign FC, Utah Royals, and NJ/NY Gotham FC. Later, she moved to Europe to play for French club Montpellier HSC.
