Onome Ebi has vehemently denied recent rumors concerning her alleged push to be included in Nigeria’s Olympic squad.
Ebi, a cornerstone of the Nigerian women’s national team for over two decades, took to social media to dismantle the false reports and defend her reputation.
The controversy erupted as rumors circulated that Ebi had purportedly begged head coach Randy Waldrum to be part of the 18-woman team set to represent Nigeria at the 2024 Olympics in Paris. These allegations suggested that the veteran defender was attempting to secure a spot on the team despite an apparent focus on integrating younger players.
Ebi, visibly angered by the unfounded claims, addressed the issue directly on Instagram. In a scathing post, she lashed out at the bloggers responsible for spreading what she labeled as ‘fake news,’ accusing them of being financially motivated to tarnish her image. She declared, “To the person that paid you bloggers to tarnish my image, God will visit you personally!”
Clarifying her position, Ebi explained that she was never involved in the selection process for the Olympic squad from the beginning of the qualifiers. According to her, coach Waldrum explicitly stated his intention to concentrate on younger talent for the upcoming games. Ebi expressed her understanding and respect for the coach’s decision, emphasizing that she had no role in lobbying for a place on the team.
In a stern warning to those she believes are conspiring against her, Ebi proclaimed: “You all will suffer endlessly for using my name and misleading the people by posting false news about me.” She stood firm in her defense, asserting that she has always respected the coach’s strategy and has not attempted to influence squad decisions.
As the Super Falcons prepare for their Olympic journey, Ebi’s focus remains on supporting her team, whether on the field or from the sidelines. Her staunch denial and call for accountability underscore her commitment to transparency and integrity in her illustrious career.
The veteran defender’s rebuttal highlights the importance of accurate reporting and the damaging effects of misinformation on athletes’ lives and careers. As the Super Falcons gear up for the 2024 Olympics, Ebi’s steadfast character continues to serve as an inspiration to both her teammates and fans alike.
