Godwin Izilein praise NFF over snubbing Onome Ebi for Nigeria, Ethiopia clash

By Saheed Afolabi

Former Nigeria women national team coach, Godwin Izilein has commended the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for snubbing Onome Ebi in the country’s roster for the Paris 2024 Olympics qualifiers against Ethiopia.

Ebi was part of the Nigeria squad to the FIFA Women’s World Cup as she made an historic sixth appearance at the mundial but the 40-year-old was left out of Randy Waldrum’s party for the doubleheader against the East Africans.

And 2004 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations winner, described the stance taken by the Glass House as a positive one, stressing the Super Falcons captain has paid her dues and should give way for younger players to shine.

“This is the best decision because for how long do we continue to have Ebi on the team,” Izilein told Punch.

“The decision to leave her out of the squad at least showed that they were listening to the voices of the people because she was no longer needed and useful in the team.

“We know the lifespan of women athletes, especially those playing football, which is a contact sport. How long did the likes of the late (Rashidi) Yekini spend playing football before quitting the national team?

 “Well, it is a good omen for the team because it will at least give the younger players an opportunity in the team. Onome is already in her 40s and I think it is best that she quits the team now.

“I don’t know who has kept her in the Falcons team that long but we are happy that they are finally listening to us.”

Ebi have appeared for the Super Falcons in 109 matches scoring three goals. She won the Turkish Women Football League title with Atasehir Belediyespor in 2012 and 2013. Ebi won the Belarusian Premier League title in 2014, Belarusian Women’s Cup in 2014 and the Belarusian Women’s Super Cup in 2014.

The veteran defender also won the Wafcon four times in 2010, 2014, 2016 and 2018 in seven appearances.