Super Falcons Forward Ifeoma Onumonu Announces Retirement After Glittering Career

Super Falcons forward Ifeoma Onumonu has officially retired from football, ending a career that spanned more than ten years across the United States, France, and Nigeria.

The 31-year-old announced her decision in a heartfelt Instagram post on Saturday, describing her retirement as the “natural conclusion” of 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,” Onumonu wrote. She recalled her first football experiences with a youth side called Magic in the U.S., saying she simply loved running and scoring goals without caring about winning or losing.

That passion eventually grew into a professional career filled with memorable achievements. Onumonu lifted the NWSL championship trophy in the U.S., represented Nigeria at the FIFA Women’s World Cup and the Olympics, and was part of the Super Falcons squad that secured their record 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title in Morocco earlier this year.

Born in California to a Nigerian father, Onumonu played collegiate football with the California Golden Bears before starting her professional career with the Boston Breakers in the NWSL. She went on to feature for Portland Thorns, Reign FC, Utah Royals, and NJ/NY Gotham FC, before moving to France to play for Montpellier HSC.

She switched allegiance to Nigeria in 2021 and made her debut for the Super Falcons the same year. She went on to feature in major tournaments, including the 2023 Women’s World Cup and the 2024 Paris Olympics, earning a reputation for her intelligent movement, composure, and work rate.

Onumonu made it clear that retirement would not end her connection with football. “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 wrote.

She also expressed deep appreciation 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. Although my time as a player has come to an end, my love and devotion for this game will never waver.”