Super Falcons defender Osinachi Ohale has announced her retirement from international football after 16 years of representing Nigeria.
The 34-year-old made the announcement Friday in a farewell message, bringing an end to a career that included 86 appearances for the national team, four FIFA Women’s World Cup tournaments and seven Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) appearances.
“After 16 years of wearing the Nigerian jersey, representing my country, and giving everything I had to the beautiful game, I have made the very difficult decision to retire from international football,” Ohale wrote.
She said she could only look back on her international career “with a heart overflowing with gratitude.”
Ohale made her senior debut in 2010 after helping the Falconets finish as runners-up at the 2010 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Germany.
She went on to become one of the most experienced defenders in the Super Falcons setup.
She was part of five WAFCON-winning squads, including Nigeria’s 2024 title-winning team.
Ohale is one of the tournament’s most decorated players, with five continental titles.
The defender also scored in Nigeria’s 5-0 quarterfinal victory over Zambia at the 2024 WAFCON and was part of the team that reached the 2026 tournament.
Thanking Nigerian fans, Ohale said their support “made wearing this jersey even more special.”
“Today, I say goodbye to international football with no regrets, only gratitude,” she said.
“The jersey will leave my shoulders, but it will never leave my heart. Thank you, Nigeria, for allowing me to live my dream.”
Comments
Add a comment