Nigerian Super Falcons captain, Onome Ebi, has made a significant move that promises to inspire and uplift young female talents across the nation and the continent.
In a much-anticipated ceremony on October 14th, 2023, Onome Ebi officially became a part of the NWFL Premiership team, the Naija Ratels. This remarkable football icon, renowned for her outstanding defending skills, will be wearing jersey number 5 as she embarks on this exciting new chapter in her football journey.
Nkechi Obi, chairman of Nigeria Women Football League (The NWFL), commended Ebi’s choice to contribute her abundant talent and experience to the Naija Ratels family and the Nigerian female football scene.
In her heartfelt speech during the unveiling, Onome Ebi highlighted the significance of her move:
“My joining Naija Ratels is about more than just playing football. It’s about inspiring young, aspiring female players from the grassroots level, encouraging them to believe that, just as I dared to dream, they too can make history. This is particularly important in an environment where women have to put in double the effort to achieve success.
I firmly believe that my journey won’t be complete if I don’t fulfill the goal of giving back to the Nigerian league that nurtured me and paved my path to stardom. As a young girl, I never had the opportunity to see or train with legendary figures like Florence Omagbemi, who were my idols. Today, I stand as a legend, thriving in a sport that is considered one of the most challenging for women in our country.
By joining Naija Ratels FC, a team filled with talented young players, I aim to share my story of success and serve as a source of inspiration for young female athletes not only in Nigeria but across Africa. I believe that if I were to retire now, as some critics have suggested, without first making a meaningful impact on the Nigeria Women Football League, my journey would remain incomplete.”
Onome Ebi’s decision to join the Naija Ratels is a momentous step, not only for her career but for the development and growth of women’s football in Nigeria. Her legacy as a player and her commitment to nurturing the next generation of female footballers serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for aspiring talents nationwide.
Join us in celebrating this incredible milestone for #WomenFootballRising and wish Onome Ebi the best of luck in her new journey with Naija Ratels FC.
