AFCON 2025 winner and Super Falcons forward Ifeoma Onumonu has called time on her professional football career at the age of 31, bringing to an end a remarkable 22-year journey that began with a simple love for the game.

In a heartfelt message shared on Saturday, Onumonu reflected on her journey with gratitude and nostalgia.

 “It is with a heart full of gratitude that I bid farewell to my playing career on the pitch… 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 wrote.

Born in California, USA, to Nigerian parents, Onumonu picked up the ball at just eight years old and never looked back. Her passion took her from youth football in the United States to a standout college career at UC Berkeley, and then into the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), where she played for some of the league’s top sides, Boston Breakers, Portland Thorns, Reign FC, Utah Royals, and NJ/NY Gotham FC.

In September 2024, she took her talents to France, signing with Montpellier HSC in the Division 1 Féminine. Along the way, she lifted the 2023 NWSL Championship with Gotham FC and earned a spot in the NWSL Best XI in 2021, achievements that cemented her as one of the league’s standout forwards.

On the international stage, Onumonu’s story was one of rediscovery and pride. After representing the United States at U-23 level, she switched allegiance to Nigeria in 2021, donning the green and white of the Super Falcons with distinction.

She went on to represent Nigeria at several major tournaments, including the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) , where she scored against Botswana, the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, and the 2024 Paris Olympics. Her journey reached its pinnacle at the 2024 WAFCON in Morocco, where she helped the Falcons capture a record 10th continental title.

In total, Onumonu made 32 appearances and scored five goals for Nigeria.

As she steps away from the pitch, Onumonu made it clear that this isn’t the end of her football story, just the start of a new chapter.

“This is not a goodbye to football, but a new beginning. I’m excited to explore new opportunities off the pitch, using the skills and lessons learned from my time on it,” she shared.

The forward also expressed deep appreciation to her coaches, teammates, doctors, fans, friends, and family for their unwavering support throughout her career, promising that her love for the game will never fade.