Nigerian international, Ifeoma Onumonu, has officially announced her retirement from professional football at the age of 31.
In a statement posted on Instagram on Saturday, Onumonu expressed gratitude for her journey, stating her retirement as a “natural conclusion” to a lifelong discovery that began at the age of eight.
Her words; “It is with a heart full of gratitude that I bid farewell to my playing career on the pitch,” Onumonu wrote, reflecting on her early years with a youth team called Magic in the United States.
“We played in white, black, and green jerseys at the 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”, she added.
With a career spanning over two decades, Onumonu has made a lasting impact on the sport, both nationally and internationally.
Onumonu discovered her love for football at eight years old, playing for a local youth team called Magic in the United States.
She began her professional career in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) with Boston Breakers and went on to play for several clubs, including Portland Thorns, Reign FC, Utah Royals, and NJ/NY Gotham FC, before joining Montpellier HSC in France.
Onumonu represented the United States at the U-23 level before switching allegiance to Nigeria in 2021.
She was part of the Super Falcons squad at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, the 2024 Paris Olympics, and the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, where Nigeria secured a record 10th continental title.
Onumonu won the NWSL championship trophy during her time in the United States.
She was instrumental in Nigeria’s record-extending 10th continental title, showcasing her skills and dedication to the sport.
Onumonu expressed gratitude for her journey and thanked her supporters, stating, “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.”
Her retirement marked the end of an era for Nigerian women’s football, but her legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
