Abuja, Nigeria – Ifeoma Onumonu, the Super Falcons forward wey sabi run like dem say she dey chase goat, don announce her retirement from football. Dis one na big wahala as we dey say bye-bye to one of our most beloved players after 22 years for the field.
On Saturday morning, Ifeoma drop beta post for her social media, dey express gratitude like say she don win lottery. At 31, she talk say, “With a heart full of gratitude, I bid farewell to my playing career.” Chai! Na like this dem dey make our eyes dey wet.
She go on to call her journey sweet and say she no go forget di joy wey football bring am from when she dey small, running for her youth team, “The Magic” back in di US. “All I wanted to do was run as fast as I could and score. I no send winner or loser; na just playing I sabi.” Na true padi talk.
Over di years, Ifeoma turn big player for NWSL, take home championship trophy like say na piece of bread, and she dey shine brightly among Nigerian stars. From Portland Thorns to NJ/NY Gotham FC, she no dey joke with her game. Na few Nigerian international players wey fit claim NWSL Championship title join am.
Dey said, her impact for Super Falcons no fit belittle. Dis gal don show for Olympics, FIFA Women’s World Cup, and help Nigeria win Africa Women’s Cup of Nations for record 10th time (Dem no fit argue say she no dey reign supreme).
As she look back on her career, Ifeoma reminisce wey she don lift different trophies, dey talk, “I had the profound pleasure of lifting an NWSL championship trophy, representing Nigeria at di Olympics and World Cup, and helping lift di African Cup of Nations trophy with di Super Falcons for a historic 10th time.” Chai! Na wetin pikin wey dey flex dey dream of.
She no just wan leave football like dat; she talk say na new chapter be this one. “This is not a goodbye to football but a new beginning.” She dey look forward to explore new opportunities, get am! She go fit use all di skills and lessons from her time on di pitch to chase new dreams.
And if na support she dey talk, na serious gratitude she show to her teammates, fans, and family wey dey stand by her for this long journey. “Thank you to all di staff, teammates, coaches, doctors, fans, and my incredible friends and family for your unwavering support through di years.” E no easy oh!
As if say no get beta way to bow out, Ifeoma Onumonu don live legacy wey inspire young players wey hope say dem go mix club and international success just like she do am. Her career dey represent perseverance, adaptability, and excellence wey don define di Super Falcons for many years. Na different thing we go miss her, but her story no go ever fade.
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