Super Falcons forward Ifeoma Onumonu has announced her retirement from football, ending a professional career that spanned more than 10 years across the United States, France, and Nigeria.
In a heartfelt statement shared on Instagram on Saturday morning, the 31-year-old said her decision to retire was a “natural conclusion” to a journey that began when she was just eight years old.
“It is with a heart full of gratitude that I bid farewell to my playing career on the pitch. All I wanted to do was run as fast as I could and score. I didn’t care about winning or losing; I just loved playing,” Onumonu wrote.
The American-born striker said her passion for football guided her for 22 years and gave her unforgettable moments in her career.
“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,” she said.
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Born in California to a Nigerian father, Onumonu began her professional career in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), where she played for Boston Breakers, Portland Thorns, Reign FC, Utah Royals, and NJ/NY Gotham FC, before moving to France to join Montpellier HSC.
She first played for the United States at the U-23 level before switching allegiance to Nigeria, making her debut for the Super Falcons in 2021. She went on to represent the country at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
Onumonu was also part of Nigeria’s squad that won the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco — the team’s record 10th continental title. Although her playing time was limited, she was among the team’s most experienced members.
Looking ahead, Onumonu said she plans to stay connected to football in other ways.
“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,” she stated.
She thanked everyone who supported her throughout her career, adding, “Thank you to all the staff, teammates, coaches, doctors, fans, and my incredible friends and family for your unwavering support. Although my time as a player has come to an end, my love and devotion for this game will never waver.”
Onumonu’s retirement marks the end of a remarkable journey — one that inspired many young players across Nigeria and beyond.