Onome Ebi: Super Falcons captain explains joining Naija Ratels

Super Falcons captain Onome Ebi explains joining Naija Ratels. Instagram/Onome Ebi

Onome Ebi: Super Falcons captain explains joining Naija Ratels

Tosin Abayomi 21:10 - 14.10.2023

40-year-old Super Falcons captain Onome Ebi explains joining Naija Ratels

Super Falcons of Nigeria captain Onome Ebi is back in the spotlight.

The 40-year-old veteran defender has confirmed her move to NWFL side Naija Ratels.

Onome Ebi explains joining Naija Ratels

Onome Ebi on Saturday, October 14, 2023 explained her decision to join Naija Ratels.

Onome Ebi on Saturday, October 14, 2023 explained her decision to join Naija Ratels. Instagram/Onome Ebi
Onome Ebi on Saturday, October 14, 2023 explained her decision to join Naija Ratels. Instagram/Onome Ebi

In a message on her official social media platforms, Ebi said, "My joining Naija Ratels is beyond playing football.

"It's about inspiring young upcoming female players from the grassroots to thank and believe that if they dare like I did, they can make history like I did in a climate where a woman have to do twice as much work to achieve success.

"I strongly think my story won't be complete if I don't accomplish the goal of giving back to the Nigerian league, which nurtured me to stardom.

Onome Ebi on Saturday, October 14, 2023 explained her decision to join Naija Ratels. Instagram/Onome Ebi
Onome Ebi on Saturday, October 14, 2023 explained her decision to join Naija Ratels. Instagram/Onome Ebi

"When I was very younger, I never had the opportunity to see or train with great legends like Florence Omagbemi and others who were my idols back then.

"Today, I'm a legend, making it in life as a Footballer in one of the most difficult climates.

"Any girl could possibly hope to play a trade like football. I believe my joining Naija Ratels FC, with very young sets of players, is the best way to share my story of success and inspire female youngsters across Nigeria and Africa.

Onome Ebi on Saturday, October 14, 2023 explained her decision to join Naija Ratels. Instagram/Onome Ebi
Onome Ebi on Saturday, October 14, 2023 explained her decision to join Naija Ratels. Instagram/Onome Ebi

"I believe if I retire now like a lot of critics have suggested, without first impacting the Nigeria Women Football ecosystem, I would have failed a nation that gave me an opportunity to become a legend and through which I made history.

"My goal is to continue to promote women's football at all levels and inspire grassroots female players to aspire to me better than me and my colleagues.

"With Naija Ratels FC, I'll continue to shine the light as a source and be a source of encouragement and beacon of hope to other players. MY STORY IS COMPLETE AND ACHIEVED."

Onome Ebi recalled how he had taught her how to play soccer when she was a young child and how, despite some criticism of his methods, he was still well-liked in general. - Image Credit - Onome Ebi/Instagram
Onome Ebi recalled how he had taught her how to play soccer when she was a young child and how, despite some criticism of his methods, he was still well-liked in general. - Image Credit - Onome Ebi/Instagram

Onome Ebi on the trends

Ebi has been discussed by Nigerian football fans on social media following her exploits at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.

The caption by Ebi celebrates her return to the local side Naija Ratels. Instagram/Onome Ebi
The caption by Ebi celebrates her return to the local side Naija Ratels. Instagram/Onome Ebi

Earlier this month, the Super Falcons list for a 2024 Africa Women's Cup of Nations (WAFCON) against Sao Tome and Principe was released.

Some Nigerians were not happy with the inclusion of Ebi and called on the Super Falcons captain to retire from football after representing her country for several years.

Super Falcons captain Onome Ebi is still part of the team (Photo Credit: Imago)
Super Falcons captain Onome Ebi is still part of the team (Photo Credit: Imago)

She made history by becoming the first female African football player to compete in six different FIFA Women's World Cup competitions.

Fans have urged Onome to resign after she became the oldest African woman to compete at the 2023 Women's World Cup.

Ebi who recently celebrated her youth coach has won four out of the six African Women's Championships.

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