‘Farewell to my playing career’ — Nigerian forward bows out of football at 31

Nigeria international Ifeoma Onumonu has brought the curtain down on her playing career, announcing her retirement from professional football at the age of 31, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Super Falcons forward confirmed her decision in an emotional statement on Instagram, reflecting on a journey that began in childhood and stretched across two decades.

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

Born in California, Onumonu fell in love with the game at just eight years old while turning out for a local youth side called Magic.

“All I wanted to do was run as fast as I could and score,” she recalled. “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.”

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That passion carried her from youth football in the United States to the top of the women’s game.

At club level she played for Montpellier in France and across the National Women’s Soccer League with stints at Portland Thorns, Boston Breakers, Utah Royals, Reign FC and Gotham FC.

Internationally, she committed to Nigeria in 2021, featuring at the Olympics, the FIFA Women’s World Cup, and the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. She was part of the Falcons’ record-extending 10th continental title win.

“Now, 22 years later, I feel I have reached a natural conclusion to that discovery,” she said.

“I had the profound pleasure of lifting an NWSL championship trophy, representing Nigeria at the Olympics and a World Cup, and helping to lift the African Cup of Nations trophy with the Super Falcons for a historic 10th time.”

Although stepping away from the pitch, Onumonu made clear her relationship with football is far from over.

“This is not a goodbye to football, but a new beginning. I am excited to explore opportunities off the pitch, using the skills and lessons learned from my time on it.

“Thank you to all the staff, teammates, coaches, doctors, fans, and my incredible friends and family for your unwavering support through the years. Although my time as a player has come to an end, my love and devotion for this game will never waver.”

For the Super Falcons, Onumonu departs as a player who embraced Nigeria late in her career but left an enduring mark in green and white.