Super Falcons forward Ifeoma Onumonu has announced her retirement from professional football at the age of 31, bringing an end to a career that saw her win trophies at both club and international level, Bold Sports reports.
The Nigerian international revealed her decision in an emotional statement shared on her Instagram page on Saturday, expressing gratitude for a journey that spanned over two decades.
“It is with a heart full of gratitude that I bid farewell to my playing career on the pitch,” Onumonu wrote.
“I started playing football when I was eight years old, on a team called the Magic. We played in white, black, and green jerseys at the AYSO fields near my house. I remember how vast I thought the field was. I don’t remember if I played an actual position or if I even passed the ball.
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“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. I loved discovering what my body could do and what I could do with the ball.”
Onumonu, who was part of Nigeria’s record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) triumph, said she felt fulfilled with what she achieved in the game.
“Now, 22 years later, I feel I have reached a natural conclusion to that discovery. It has been an incredible journey. 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.”
While stepping away from the pitch, Onumonu noted that 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. Thank you for everything.”
Ifeoma Onumonu playing career
Born in the United States, Onumonu began representing Nigeria in 2021 and went on to feature for the Super Falcons at the Olympics, Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
At club level, she played for French side Montpellier HSC and several National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) teams, including Utah Royals, NJ/NY Gotham FC, Reign FC, Portland Thorns FC, and Boston Breakers. She also played college football for the California Golden Bears.
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