After four years of dedicated service as the Media Officer for Nigeria’s women’s national football team, the Super Falcons, Oluchi ‘Tobex’ Tobe-Chukwu has penned a heartfelt farewell message, marking the end of a significant chapter in her career. Her tenure, which has seen the team continue to dominate African women’s football, officially concluded in August 2024, following a respectful and professional exit notice from the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF).
In a reflective post shared across her social media platforms, Oluchi expressed deep gratitude to those who supported her throughout her journey. She began by recalling the moment she was informed of her impending departure by the NFF President, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, who, a year prior, had given her a respectful notice of her exit. “Your tenure as the MO of the Super Falcons will end in August after the Olympics,” he had told her during an office meeting in Abuja.
Oluchi described her four years with the Super Falcons as “amazing, fulfilling, and expository,” highlighting the immense pride she felt in projecting the team to the world. She praised the Super Falcons as a “quality brand” and commended the players for their professionalism, noting that they were “stressless to project.” Oluchi also expressed her gratitude to the captains she worked with, Onome Ebi and Rasheedat Ajibade, whose humility and wisdom left a lasting impact on her.
Reflecting on her tenure, Oluchi acknowledged the support of the two NFF Presidents she served under, Amaju Pinnick, who appointed her in 2020, and Alhaji Musa Gusau, who ensured continuity in her role. She also expressed appreciation for her colleagues, particularly the Guild of Editors, female broadcasters group, and her closest family in the profession. She took pride in being the first ex-female footballer to serve as the Media Officer of the Super Falcons and the longest-serving individual in that capacity.
Oluchi’s message also extended thanks to various individuals and organizations that contributed to her success, including the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), former Super Falcons Media Officers, and the team’s coaching staff, Randy and Kyle. She emphasized her commitment to maintaining FIFA standards in her work and her dedication to excellence, despite the inevitable disagreements that arose in her role as a “rigid principled journalist.”
In her closing remarks, Oluchi hinted at her next chapter, revealing that African football had recognized her hard work and potential, offering her a new challenge that she joyfully embraced. As she bids farewell to her role with the Super Falcons, Oluchi ‘Tobex’ Tobe-Chukwu leaves behind a legacy of professionalism, passion, and unwavering dedication to the promotion of women’s football in Nigeria and beyond.
Her final words echoed with gratitude and warmth: “Thank you, Nigerians, the president and board members of the NFF, and everyone who supported, counseled, and criticized positively. I appreciate you all.”
