Nigeria’s captain, Onome Ebi, is set to make history as one of the oldest players at the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup, at the age of 40. She joins the esteemed company of Brazil’s Marta and Canada’s Christine Sinclair, as all three women will be participating in their sixth World Cup tournament.
Ebi’s incredible feat of featuring in six different FIFA Women’s World Cup tournaments makes her the first player ever to achieve this milestone. Her journey began at the tender age of 20 when she made her first World Cup appearance in the United States in 2003. Since then, she has been a consistent presence in the tournament, showcasing her talent and dedication to the game.
The list of her World Cup appearances is a testament to her enduring commitment and love for football. From China in 2007 to Germany in 2011, Canada in 2015, and France in 2019, Ebi has represented Nigeria with pride and distinction on the global stage. And now, she prepares to make history once again in New Zealand and Australia for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Ebi’s remarkable longevity in the sport has earned her the nickname “the Methuselah of FIFA World Cup.” She has become a true symbol of Nigerian resilience and record-breaking achievements. It is a record that may stand unchallenged for decades to come.
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As we celebrate her accomplishments, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Onome Ebi, the 40-year-old defense commander and veteran Nigerian defender. She holds the distinction of being the first African footballer to play in five FIFA World Cup tournaments, and now, she is set to add another chapter to her storied career.
At the farewell dinner organized for the team by the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), Ebi expressed her determination to make Nigeria proud at the upcoming World Cup. She stated, “We are going to Australia not just to participate, but to surpass our previous records. I believe we will make Nigerians proud.” Her words reflect the unwavering commitment of the Super Falcons to go beyond the Round of 16 and leave a lasting impression at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Ebi’s inclusion in Head Coach Randy Waldrum’s list of 23 Super Falcons for this year’s tournament further exemplifies her invaluable contribution to the team. Alongside talented players like Asisat Oshoala and Rasheedat Ajibade, she will be a vital pillar of experience and leadership.
As we eagerly anticipate the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, we honor Onome Ebi’s incredible journey and wish her and the Super Falcons every success. May their performance inspire a new generation of footballers and cement Nigeria’s place in the annals of women’s football.
