Super Falcons legend Osinachi Ohale retires from international football

Super Falcons defender and legend, Osinachi Ohale, announces her decision to retire from international football.

After 16 years with the Nigeria senior women’s football team, the veteran has decided to walk away.

The Nigerian defender bows out with 86 caps, four World Cup appearances and five WAFCON titles.

Ohale announcement

Ohale announced her decision in an emotional farewell message in a social media post on Friday.

The 33-year-old said she was short of words as the decision to step away was a difficult one.

“There are moments in life when words are simply not enough. Today is one of those moments,” Ohale began.

“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,” she wrote.

A career of true longevity

Ohale made 86 appearances for the Super Falcons and represented the country across four editions of the FIFA Women’s World Cup and seven Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Ohale was part of the Super Falcons squad to win the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations five times.

A dream come true

Ohale said representing Nigeria was a dream she held on to growing up, and fulfilling that dream as a woman makes her grateful for the opportunity.

“From the young girl who first dreamed of wearing the green and white, to the woman who had the honour of doing so for 86 caps, I can only look back with a heart overflowing with gratitude,” she said.

“I have stood on the biggest stages in the world, representing Nigeria at four FIFA Women’s World Cups and seven WAFCON, and I am incredibly proud that we lifted the African title five times,” Ohale wrote.

Gratitude and farewell

Reflecting on her journey, Ohale expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to represent Nigeria, recalling the sacrifices, victories, defeats, celebrations and difficult moments that came with wearing the national team jersey.

Ohale said she is saying goodbye with no regrets.

“Today, I say goodbye to international football with no regrets–only gratitude,” she said in her farewell message.

“But the greatest achievement of all is knowing that I had the privilege to serve my country,” she added.

“Thank you, Nigeria, for allowing me to live my dream,” she concluded.

She also thanked her teammates over the years, coaches, staff, family, friends, and the Nigeria Football Federation.

She appreciated the Nigerian fans for their belief, support, and love throughout her career.

Her legacy has been one of longevity and consistency.

“The jersey will leave my shoulders, but it will never leave my heart,” she wrote.

Although she is stepping away from international football, Ohale made it clear that her connection with Nigeria will remain forever, as she is forever a Super Falcon.

Super Falcons reactions to Ohale post

A few of her now ex-teammates reacted to the social media farewell post, indicating their love and gratitude for being able to play alongside the legend.

Amongst the comments was defender Michelle Alozie, who expressed gratitude and honour to have played alongside the legendary Ohale.

Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade also showed support to the veteran in the comment section.

Ajibade expressed her immense pride in the legend and wished her well in her next chapter in life.

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