Nigeria international Ifeoma Onumonu has announced her retirement from professional football at the age of 31, bringing to an end a career that spanned over two decades across club and international football.

The Super Falcons striker confirmed her decision in an emotional Instagram statement, expressing gratitude for the journey that began when she was just a child.

Born in California, Onumonu first fell in love with football at the age of eight while playing for a local youth team, Magic.

That passion propelled her through youth football in the United States, into the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), and later to Europe with French side Montpellier.

Onumonu enjoyed an extensive club career, playing for Portland Thorns, Boston Breakers, Utah Royals, Reign FC, and Gotham FC in the NWSL before her European spell in France.

In 2021, she made the bold decision to represent Nigeria, the country of her heritage, on the international stage. She went on to feature at the Olympics, the FIFA Women’s World Cup, and helped the Super Falcons lift their record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title.

“All I wanted to do was run as fast as I could and score,” she wrote.

She continued, “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.

“Now, 22 years later, I feel I have reached a natural conclusion to that discovery,” she reflected. “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.

“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 said.

She also expressed gratitude to all who supported her, “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.”

Though she joined the Super Falcons late in her career, Onumonu leaves behind a legacy of commitment and excellence