Super Falcons forward Ifeoma Onumonu has officially announced her retirement from football, closing the curtain on a distinguished career that spanned more than two decades and saw her shine at both club and internation levels.
The American-born striker, who switched allegiance to Nigeria in 2021 after representing the United States at under-23 level, made 32 appearances and scored five goals for the Super Falcons.
She featured at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she was drafted into the final squad after Halimatu Ayinde’s injury withdrawal.
Onumonu was also part of the Nigerian team that lifted a record 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title in Morocco in 2022, etching her name among a generation that maintained Nigeria’s dominance on the continent.
At club level, the 30-year-old played across the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) with teams such as Utah Royals, NJ/NY Gotham FC, Reign FC, Portland Thorns, and Boston Breakers, before moving to France to join Montpellier.
Her professional journey followed a stellar college career with the California Golden Bears.
In an emotional farewell shared on Instagram, Onumonu reflected on her beginnings and the passion that drove her from childhood.
“I remember how vast I thought the field was,” she wrote. “All I wanted to do was run as fast as I could and score. I didn’t much care about winning or losing; I just loved playing.”
Looking back on her journey, she described it as “an incredible experience,” saying: “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 she is stepping away from the pitch, Onumonu clarified that her decision marks a new chapter rather than an end.
“This is not a goodbye to football, but a new beginning,” she said. “I am excited to explore opportunities off the pitch, using the skills and lessons learned from my time on it.”
The former Montpellier striker also expressed gratitude to those who supported her throughout her career.
“Thank you to all the staff, teammates, coaches, doctors, fans, and my incredible friends and family for your unwavering support through the years,” she wrote.
“Although my time as a player has come to an end, my love and devotion for this game will never waver.”
