When you talk about legendary African footballers who have shattered records and inspired generations, Onome Ebi stands tall as one of the most decorated female footballers in African history. The Nigerian defender made history in 2023 when she became the first African footballer, male or female, to appear in six FIFA World Cup tournaments.
Onome Ebi retired from professional football in September 2025 after an extraordinary career spanning over two decades. Her journey from the streets of Ajegunle in Lagos to the world’s biggest football stages is nothing short of inspirational.
Quick Facts About Onome Ebi
Full Name: Onome Ebi
Nickname: Onosky
Date of Birth: May 8, 1983
Age: 42 years old (as of November 2025)
Birthplace: Lagos, Lagos State, Nigeria
Nationality: Nigerian
Ethnicity: Urhobo (Delta State origin)
Profession: Retired Professional Footballer (Defender)
Zodiac Sign: Taurus
Height: 1.75 meters (5 feet 9 inches)
Weight: Not publicly disclosed
Eye Color: Dark Brown
Hair Color: Black
Net Worth: Estimated between $1 million to $5 million
Marital Status: Single
Spouse/Partner: Not married
Children: None
Jersey Number: Number 5 (or 55 when unavailable)
Social Media:
- Instagram: @onosky5 (158,000+ followers)
- Twitter/X: @EBIONOME
- TikTok: onosky58
- Facebook: Ebi Onome
Early Life and Family Background
Onome Ebi was born on May 8, 1983, in Lagos, Lagos State, Nigeria, to an Urhobo family originally from Delta State. Her name ‘Onome’ is a traditional Urhobo name meaning ‘My Own,’ reflecting her cultural heritage. Onome Ebi age is currently 42 years old, having celebrated her birthday in May 2025.
Growing up in the vibrant but challenging neighborhood of Ajegunle in Lagos, young Onome discovered her passion for football at an incredibly early age. In interviews, she has jokingly stated that football has been part of her ‘since she was in her mother’s womb,’ highlighting how naturally the sport came to her. She grew up playing street football with boys in her compound and neighborhood, participating in house-to-house and street-to-street games where she was an indispensable player.
Parents and Siblings
While specific details about Onome Ebi’s parents and siblings remain largely private, she has spoken fondly about her family in various interviews. Her parents initially were not supportive of her football career choice, which was typical for many Nigerian parents during that era who preferred their children pursue more traditional career paths. However, as her talent became undeniable and opportunities emerged, they eventually came to support her dreams.
Tragically, Onome Ebi’s biological father passed away during her career. She has since referred to her grassroots coach, Mr. Paul Okwudili Nnakwe (known as Palepa), as her ‘father in football’ and substitute father figure who helped shape her into the player she became.
Education
Onome Ebi attended secondary school in Ajegunle, Lagos, where her football journey took a more structured turn. She was a science student who initially had no clear career path in mind beyond her studies. However, everything changed when she joined her school’s female football team.
During her secondary school years, Onome Ebi participated in the Principals Cup football competition, where her exceptional performances caught the attention of scouts and coaches from outside Lagos. She captained her school team throughout most of her time in secondary school, demonstrating leadership qualities that would later make her a Super Falcons captain.
Early Interests and Inspirations
Football consumed Onome Ebi’s thoughts from childhood. She has repeatedly stated that she never planned to become a footballer; it was simply something that was always part of her. Playing football with boys in her neighborhood taught her resilience, toughness, and the defensive skills that would later define her playing style.
Her football inspiration came from watching Nigerian female footballers, particularly Florence Omagbemi, a former Super Falcons captain and coach whom Ebi looked up to during her formative years. Omagbemi’s success showed young Onome that Nigerian women could excel in professional football.
Career Journey
Humble Beginnings
Onome Ebi’s professional football career began in 2001 when she joined Omidiran Babes, a local Nigerian club. Her performances quickly established her as a promising defender with exceptional reading of the game and physical presence. In 2008, she moved to Bayelsa Queens FC in the Nigerian Women’s Championship, where she continued to develop her craft.
Her grassroots coach, Palepa (Mr. Paul Okwudili Nnakwe), played a crucial role in her early development. He dedicated his time to training young players like Onome, often with no other job but to nurture their talents. Ebi has credited him with teaching her the fundamentals and protecting her as she began her career.
Rise to Stardom
Onome Ebi made her Super Falcons debut in 2003 and was immediately selected for her first FIFA Women’s World Cup that same year in the United States. This marked the beginning of an unprecedented international career that would span 22 years.
Her ability to read the game, combined with her physical strength and aerial dominance, quickly made her an indispensable member of the Super Falcons defense. She earned the captain’s armband, leading Nigeria through numerous continental and global competitions.
International Career Achievements
FIFA World Cup Appearances (Record-Breaking Six Tournaments):
- 2003 FIFA Women’s World Cup (USA)
- 2007 FIFA Women’s World Cup (China)
- 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup (Germany)
- 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup (Canada)
- 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup (France) – Became first African to play in five World Cups
- 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup (Australia/New Zealand) – Made history as first African to play in six World Cups at age 40
Africa Women’s Cup of Nations (AWCON) Titles:
- 2010 AWCON Champion
- 2014 AWCON Champion
- 2016 AWCON Champion
- 2018 AWCON Champion
Onome Ebi participated in eight AWCON tournaments (2008, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018) and won four continental titles, solidifying the Super Falcons’ dominance in African women’s football.
Other International Honors:
- 2008 Beijing Olympics participant
- 109 caps for Nigeria (most by any Nigerian female player)
- Multiple appearances as Super Falcons captain
Club Career Highlights
Onome Ebi’s club career took her across multiple continents, demonstrating her versatility and adaptability:
Nigeria:
- Omidiran Babes (2001)
- Bayelsa Queens FC (2008)
- Naija Ratels FC (2023-2024)
Sweden:
- Piteå IF (Damallsvenskan)
- Djurgårdens IF (Damallsvenskan)
- Sunnanå SK (2013, Damallsvenskan)
Turkey:
- Düvenciler Lisesispor (First League)
- Ataşehir Belediyespor (First League)
- Turkish Women’s First Football League Champion (2011-12, 2012-13)
- UEFA Champions League debut (August 2012)
Belarus:
- FC Minsk (Belarusian Premier League)
- Belarusian Premier League Champion
- Belarusian Women’s Cup Winner
- Belarusian Women’s Super Cup Winner (twice)
China:
- Henan Huishang/Henan Jianye (2018-2021, second division)
Spain:
- Levante Las Planas (2022)
Onome Ebi notably wore jersey number 5 throughout her career because of its special significance to her. When the number was already taken at FC Minsk, she cleverly requested number 55 instead, staying true to her preference.
Awards and Recognitions
Throughout her illustrious career, Onome Ebi has received numerous accolades:
- First African footballer (male or female) to play in six FIFA World Cups
- Most capped Nigerian female player (109 appearances)
- Four-time Africa Women’s Cup of Nations champion
- Multiple league titles in Turkey and Belarus
- Recognition from the Nigerian Football Federation for her contributions to women’s football
- Role model award for inspiring young African footballers
Breakthrough Moments
Several moments defined Onome Ebi’s career:
2003: Making her World Cup debut at age 20, announcing her arrival on the global stage
2010: Winning her first AWCON title, establishing herself as a defensive cornerstone
2012: Making her UEFA Champions League debut with Ataşehir Belediyespor in Turkey
July 6, 2019: Becoming the first African footballer to play in five World Cup tournaments during the France 2019 match against France
July 20, 2023: Making history by appearing in her sixth World Cup at age 40, becoming the oldest Nigerian player at a World Cup and cementing her legendary status
Current Status: Onome Ebi Retired
Onome Ebi retired from professional football on September 17, 2025, at age 42. She announced her retirement through a heartfelt post on social media, stating: ‘Today, I officially retire from professional football. The journey has been filled with challenges, victories, and lessons that shaped me into who I am today. Though I hang up my boots, my purpose in the game continues — to give back, to guide, and to be a voice for players.’
Her former Super Falcons teammate Rasheedat Ajibade paid tribute, describing Ebi as ‘more than a captain’ and ‘a trailblazer who paved the way for this generation of players.’ The Nigerian football community celebrated her extraordinary two-decade career that inspired countless young girls to pursue football professionally.
Personal Life
Is Onome Ebi Married? (Relationships and Dating History)
Many fans frequently ask: ‘Is Onome Ebi married?’ The answer is no. Onome Ebi is not married and has maintained a private personal life throughout her career. According to multiple sources and public records, Onome Ebi husband does not exist as she has remained single and focused on her football career.
Research and available information indicate that Onome Ebi is possibly single and has not been in any publicly known relationships. She has kept her romantic life completely out of the spotlight, preferring to let her football achievements speak for themselves. The legendary defender has stated in interviews that she understands the importance of being able to cook and take care of a family when marriage eventually comes, but has prioritized her professional career.
Marriage Details
Since Onome Ebi is not married, there are no marriage details to share. The name of Onome Ebi husband remains unknown because she has not entered into marriage. Her single status has allowed her to dedicate herself fully to her demanding international football career, which required extensive travel and commitment.
Children
Onome Ebi children do not exist as she has no kids. According to our research and database information, she has no children. Throughout her career, Onome Ebi has focused entirely on her professional development and giving back to young players through her foundation and community initiatives rather than starting a family of her own.
Hobbies and Interests Outside Football
While football dominated Onome Ebi’s life, she developed other interests:
Cooking: Though she doesn’t claim to love cooking, Onome Ebi learned to cook out of necessity during her time playing abroad in different countries. She recognized the practical importance of this skill, especially when traveling without support staff.
Mentorship: One of her greatest passions is mentoring young female footballers. She has described players like Asisat Oshoala as her ‘younger sister’ and ‘sports daughter,’ taking younger players under her wing to guide them through their careers.
Community Work: Onome Ebi is deeply involved in charitable activities and community development projects focused on youth empowerment and women’s sports development in Nigeria.
Fashion and Style: In earlier years, Onome Ebi admitted she used to dress like a boy due to her tomboy nature from playing with boys. However, as she matured, she developed her own sense of style while maintaining comfort and practicality.
Net Worth and Lifestyle
Estimated Net Worth
Onome Ebi net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $5 million as of 2025. This wealth accumulation came from her extensive professional football career spanning over two decades across multiple continents. As one of the richest African female professional footballers, her financial success reflects her status as a top-tier athlete in women’s football.
However, it’s important to note that Onome Ebi’s weekly salary and specific earnings have never been publicly disclosed. Female footballers, particularly those from African nations, typically earn less than their male counterparts, though top players like Ebi who played in European and Chinese leagues commanded respectable salaries.
Income Sources
Onome Ebi net worth comes from various revenue streams:
Club Salaries: Playing for clubs in Sweden, Turkey, Belarus, China, and Spain provided substantial income, with European clubs generally offering better compensation than African leagues.
National Team Bonuses: Representing Nigeria at six World Cups and multiple AWCON tournaments came with appearance fees and tournament bonuses.
Endorsements: While not as heavily sponsored as some contemporary players, Onome Ebi has engaged in brand collaborations throughout her career.
Foundation Work: Her NGO and foundation work, while primarily charitable, also connected her with international organizations and sponsors.
Social Media: With over 158,000 Instagram followers, she has potential income from social media partnerships and sponsored content.
Houses, Cars, and Luxury Items
In September 2020, Onome Ebi proudly showed off her newly acquired house in Lagos, Nigeria, on Instagram. She expressed gratitude to God, writing: ‘I just want to say thank you Lord God for all. Dreams do come TRUE if you keep believing in yourself and never give up.’
This property represents a significant achievement for the footballer, symbolizing the fruits of her hard work and dedication. While specific details about cars and other luxury possessions remain private, Onome Ebi has lived modestly compared to some contemporary athletes, focusing more on giving back to her community than ostentatious displays of wealth.
Brand Collaborations
Throughout her career, Onome Ebi has collaborated with various football-related brands and sporting goods companies. She also contributes 1% of her income to Common Goal, an initiative supporting high-impact NGOs that use football to drive progress toward Global Goals. Through this partnership, she discovered and supports YEDI (Youth Empowerment Development Initiative) in Lagos, which works on youth awareness programs including health topics like AIDS prevention.
Onome Ebi Current Club
Following her retirement in September 2025, Onome Ebi current club is none, as she no longer plays professional football. Her last club before retirement was Naija Ratels FC of Abuja, which she joined for the 2023-24 Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) season. After participating in the 2023 FIFA World Cup and receiving numerous offers from local and international clubs, she chose to return to the Nigerian domestic league after more than a decade playing abroad, specifically selecting Naija Ratels for their youthful profile, organization, and discipline.
Social Media Presence
Onome Ebi maintains an active and engaging social media presence where she connects with fans and shares updates about her life and career.
Handle: @onosky5
Followers: Over 158,000 followers
Content: Onome Ebi’s Instagram features photos and videos from matches, training sessions, personal moments, and motivational content.
Posts: With over 1,408 posts, she regularly engages with her audience, sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses of her football journey and retirement life.
Twitter/X Profile
Handle: @EBIONOME
Platform: Active on X (formerly Twitter)
Engagement: She uses this platform to share career updates, interact with fans, and make important announcements. Her retirement announcement was posted on this platform.
TikTok
Username: onosky58
Content: Lighter, more personal content and short-form videos
Page: Ebi Onome
Followers: Over 33,000 likes with active engagement
Usage: Shares longer-form content, community engagement, and foundation
updates
Fan Interaction
Onome Ebi interacts warmly with fans online, responding to comments, sharing encouraging messages, and using her platform to inspire young African girls pursuing football careers. She regularly posts about training techniques, motivational content, and advocacy for women’s sports development. Her authentic and humble approach has endeared her to thousands of followers who see her as both a role model and accessible figure.
Following her retirement, she has indicated that her social media presence will continue as she transitions into mentorship, advocacy, and being a ‘voice for players’ across Africa and beyond.
Controversies and Public Image
Major Controversies
Despite her long career, Onome Ebi has maintained a relatively controversy-free public image. However, there was one notable incident that attracted media attention:
Captaincy Controversy with Asisat Oshoala (2022): A reported change in the Super Falcons’ captaincy saw Onome Ebi take over the captain’s armband from striker Asisat Oshoala, who had been captain for nearly three years. This development led to frustration from Oshoala, who reportedly made disparaging comments about the veteran defender. The suspected breakdown in their relationship surprised many fans, considering how close the two players had always been, with Ebi previously describing Oshoala as her ‘younger sister’ and ‘sports daughter.’
The incident created speculation in Nigerian media about internal team dynamics. Super Falcons coach Randy Waldrum stated he didn’t want to weigh in on the matter and suggested there were ‘lots of misconceptions in the Nigerian media.’ The issue eventually settled down, and both players continued representing Nigeria professionally.
Public Statements and Responses
Onome Ebi has generally been diplomatic in her public statements, avoiding unnecessary drama. When addressing the captaincy issue, she maintained professionalism and focused on her responsibilities to the team. In the FIFA ‘Icons’ documentary, she spoke glowingly about Oshoala, highlighting the younger player’s growth and maturity despite any reported tensions.
Her retirement statement in September 2025 was graceful and forward-looking, emphasizing her continued commitment to football through mentorship: ‘Though I hang up my boots, my purpose in the game continues — to give back, to guide, and to be a voice for players.’
Media Coverage
Media coverage of Onome Ebi has been overwhelmingly positive throughout her career. Nigerian and international sports media have celebrated her:
- Historic six World Cup appearances
- Dedication to Nigerian women’s football
- Role as a trailblazer for African female athletes
- Commitment to youth development and community service
- Professional conduct and leadership qualities
Her emotional tribute to her grassroots coach Palepa went viral on social media in September 2023, showing her humility and gratitude. Super Eagles stars like Victor Osimhen and Ogenyi Onazi publicly celebrated her 40th birthday, demonstrating the respect she commands across Nigerian football.
Public Image
Onome Ebi is widely regarded as:
- A legendary figure in African women’s football
- A role model for young girls dreaming of professional football careers
- A dedicated athlete who overcame challenges to achieve greatness
- A humble and grounded individual despite her achievements
- An advocate for women’s sports development in Nigeria
Her public image remains that of a dedicated professional, inspirational leader, and community-minded individual who has used her platform to advance women’s football in Africa.
Fun Facts About Onome Ebi
Here are some interesting facts about the legendary footballer:
The Name: Onome is an Urhobo name meaning ‘My Own,’ reflecting her Delta State heritage despite being born in Lagos.
Number 5 Significance: Throughout her career, Onome Ebi insisted on wearing jersey number 5 because of its special personal significance. When it was unavailable at FC Minsk, she cleverly chose number 55 to maintain her connection to the number.
Womb Footballer: Onome jokes that she started playing football from her mother’s womb because she began playing at such an early age that she cannot remember a time before football.
Street Football Queen: She grew up playing street football exclusively with boys in her compound in Ajegunle. Teams wouldn’t play if she wasn’t on one of them, showing her early dominance.
Science Student: Before fully committing to football, Onome Ebi was a science student in secondary school with no clear career direction until football took over her life.
Florence Omagbemi Inspiration: Her football hero growing up was Florence Omagbemi, a former Super Falcons captain and coach.
Weather Challenges: Ebi struggled with the cold weather in Sweden, finding it difficult to play her best football in the amateur Swedish league, which led her to return to Turkey where she enjoyed better weather conditions.
Champions League Debut: She made her UEFA Champions League debut in August 2012 while playing for Ataşehir Belediyespor in Turkey, representing African female footballers at Europe’s elite club competition.
Ajegunle Roots: Growing up in Ajegunle, one of Lagos’s most challenging neighborhoods, shaped her toughness and resilience as a defender.
40 and Still Making History: At 40 years and 50 days old, Onome Ebi became the oldest Nigerian player to appear at a FIFA World Cup when she came on as a substitute in Nigeria’s match against Australia in 2023.
Father Figure: After her biological father passed away, she considers her grassroots coach Palepa (Mr. Paul Okwudili Nnakwe) as her father in football and substitute father.
Tomboy to Fashionista: She admits she used to dress like a boy during her early playing days but later developed her own fashion sense while maintaining practicality.
Common Goal Member: Onome Ebi donates 1% of her income to Common Goal, supporting NGOs that use football for social development.
Property Owner: In 2020, she acquired a house in Lagos, fulfilling a major personal dream and demonstrating that “dreams do come true.”
Most Capped: With 109 appearances, she holds the record for most caps by any Nigerian female player in history.
Four-Time Continental Champion: She won the Africa Women’s Cup of Nations four times (2010, 2014, 2016, 2018), making her one of the most decorated players in the tournament’s history.
Language Adaptability: Playing in Sweden, Turkey, Belarus, China, and Spain required her to adapt to different languages and cultures, showcasing her versatility beyond football.
Olympic Veteran: She represented Nigeria at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, adding Olympic experience to her impressive résumé.
Return to Nigerian League: After over a decade playing abroad, she chose to return to Nigeria’s domestic league in 2023, joining Naija Ratels to mentor younger players and give back to local football.
Foundation Work: Beyond playing, she established a foundation focused on helping teenage girls who want to play football professionally, actively supporting Nigeria’s female football league.
Conclusion- Onome Ebi
Onome Ebi biography is the story of an extraordinary athlete who transcended expectations and broke barriers throughout her remarkable career. From humble beginnings playing street football in Ajegunle, Lagos, to making history as the first African footballer to appear in six FIFA World Cup tournaments, her journey embodies determination, excellence, and unwavering commitment to her craft.
At 42 years old, Onome Ebi age represents not just the years she has lived but the decades of inspiration she has provided to countless young African girls who dream of professional football careers.
