SUPER Falcons striker Ifeoma Onumonu has surprised the football world by announcing her retirement from the sport at the age of only 31.
The United States of America-born Nigeria international announced her retirement on social media today, after over 20 years in football.
The 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations winner began her journey in the sport as a child in the USA and reached her peak when she represented Nigeria at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia with the Super Falcons.
“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.
“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 fondly recalled her football feats, including winning the elite National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) title in the United States with Gotham City, representing Nigeria at the Olympics and the World Cup, and playing a part in the Super Falcons’ historic 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title in July.
Onumonu added: “Now, 22 years later, I feel I have reached a natural conclusion to that discovery. It has been an incredible journey.
“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.”
Onumonu was born in California, USA in February 1994 to Nigerian parents and has represented the Super Falcons since 2021.
In her long career, Onumonu played for top-flight French club Montpellier HSC, the Utah Royals, NJ/NY Gotham FC, Reign FC, Portland Thorns FC, and Boston Breakers in the National Women’s Soccer League.
She also played college soccer for the California Golden Bears.