In a touching revelation that has touched the hearts of football fans in Nigeria Super Falcons’ veteran captain Onome Ebi expressed her profound surprise at the depth of love and admiration she garners from her teammates.
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The 40-year-old defender, who has been a cornerstone of the Nigerian national team since 2003, shared an emotional moment on her Twitter handle, disclosing how messages from her fellow players moved her to tears during a behind-the-scenes segment of her FIFA interview.
Onome Ebi, who boasts an impressive 109 caps and three goals for her country, was visibly moved as she watched her national teammates express their unwavering affection and respect for her.
The candid and heartfelt comments showcased a side of camaraderie and admiration that had remained largely unspoken, leaving Onome Ebi utterly surprised and emotional. “I never knew they all loved & cherished me so much.
I never saw it coming. I never knew I inspired my own teammates. They never just said it to me physically. The tears just kept coming for almost 10 mins,” she shared on Twitter.
The captain’s leadership and inspiration were evident on the field as well, as she guided the Super Falcons to a commendable Round of 16 finish at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Despite their valiant efforts, the team faced an unfortunate 4-2 penalty shootout loss to England after a goalless draw at Lang Park on August 7.
Ebi’s illustrious career has seen her represent Nigeria in an unparalleled six FIFA World Cup tournaments, making her the sole African footballer to achieve this remarkable feat.
Her influence extends far beyond the pitch, as her teammates’ heartfelt messages attest to her role as a unifying force within the squad.
As the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup finale looms, with England and Spain set to clash on Sunday, August 20, the admiration and respect Ebi has garnered from her fellow players stand as a testament to her enduring legacy both as a player and a leader.
