Onome Ebi Biography: Early Life, Career, Stats, Husband, Net Worth

Onome Ebi (born May 8, 1983) is a Nigerian former professional footballer who was a centre-back for the Nigeria women’s national team. In 2023, she became the first African footballer, male or female, to compete in six FIFA World Cups.

Onome Ebi Biography

Ebi was born to an Urhobo family on May 8, 1983, in Lagos, Lagos State, Nigeria; hence, her name is Onome (which means ‘My Own’).

In 2019, the Nigerian defender became the first African player to play in five FIFA World Cups, having previously represented the Super Falcons in 2003, 2007, 2011, and 2015. She also competed in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

The Super Falcons skipper also competed in six African Women’s Championships (2009, 2008, 2012, 2014, 2016, and 2017).

The 40-year-old Nigerian star is likely to become the oldest and one of the few female players with the most FIFA Women’s World Cup appearances (six) when the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup begins on July 20, 2023, in New Zealand and Australia.

Club career

She began her career with Bayelsa Queens FC in Nigeria’s Women’s Championship and later joined Piteå IF and Djurgårdens IF in Sweden’s Damallsvenskan. Ebi commented, “I enjoyed my vacation in Turkey due to the nice weather. Going to Sweden was a different story, because the chilly weather made it tough for me to play decent football. The amateur structure of the Swedish league prompted me to return to Turkey for Ataşehir Belediyespor FC in the First League.”

She later played in Turkey’s First League for Düvenciler Lisesispor and Ataşehir Belediyespor. She made her Champions League debut in August 2012, playing for Ataşehir Belediyespor. In 2013, Ebi played for Sunnanå SK in the Swedish Damallsvenskan before moving to FC Minsk in Belarus for the Belarusian Premier League.

During her time there, she was a member of the Belarusian Premier League, Belarusian Women’s Cup, and Belarusian Women’s Super Cup winning teams. In both club and international matches, Ebi played as the number five in the team due to its significance it holds for her.

When she arrived in Minsk, the jersey number was already taken, so she requested the number 55 instead. She later joined Chinese second division side Henan Jianye, where she signed in 2018. Ebi made a huge move by signing with Naija Ratels FC of Abuja for the upcoming 2023-24 Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) season, which begins on November 15.

The Naija Ratels management officially introduced the veteran footballer, who has won six FIFA Women’s World Cups, during a lively event in Abuja. Despite receiving multiple offers from both domestic and international clubs following her participation in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, the 40-year-old defender stated her delight at returning to the local league after more than a decade away. Ebi emphasised her conscious choice of Naija Ratels, emphasising the club’s youthful image in the league, as well as its strong organisation and discipline.

International career

Ebi is a former Nigerian national team player who made her debut in 2003. She presently holds the record for the most caps for Nigeria, with 109 appearances for the Super Falcons.

On July 6, 2019, she became the first African footballer to compete in five FIFA World Cup tournaments, including the 2003, 2007, 2011, 2015, and 2019 editions of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, as well as the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Ebi also competed for Nigeria at the African Women’s Championship in 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, and 2018, winning four times in 2010, 2014, 2016, and 2018. On June 16, 2023, she was named to Nigeria’s 23-player FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 team.

By appearing as a substitute in Nigeria’s 3-2 triumph over Australia at 40 years and 50 days, she became the first African player, male or female, to play in six World Cup tournaments. In July 2025, she announced her retirement from pro football.

Onome Ebi achievements and awards

Club achievements

• Turkish Women’s First Football League (2011/12, 2012/13)
• Belarusian Premier League (2014)
• Belarusian Women’s Cup (2014)
• Belarusian Women’s Super Cup (2014, 2015)

National team achievements

• African Women’s Championship (2010, 2014, 2016, 2018)
• Individual awards
• NFF-Aiteo Female Player of the Year (2018)
• IFFHS CAF Women Team of the Decade (2011–2020)

Personal Life

All data and studies indicate that Ebi is not in a relationship and is likely single.

Onome Ebi Net Worth

Onome Ebi is one of Nigeria’s richest association football players. According to Wikipedia, Forbes, and Business Insider, Onome Ebi’s net worth is $5 million.

Social Media

Instagram: @onosky5