National Teams
Nigerian photojournalist, Pooja calls out ‘hanky-panky’ Onome Ebi
By Monsurah Olatunji
Nigerian photojournalist, Sulaiman Adebayo popularly known as Pooja has called out Super Falcons legend Onome Ebi over her congratulatory post to Brazilian legend Marta.
Ebi, a veteran of numerous international tournaments extended her congratulations to Brazil and their captain, Marta, for reaching the final of the Olympics, but it was perceived as hypocritical by the photojournalist.
The 41-year-old who was not selected for Nigeria’s Olympic squad amid claims that she was imposing herself on the team, was accused of not making supportive posts about the Super Falcons but was quick to post about 38-year-old Marta reaching the final.
Alluding to Brazil attacker, Martha, Ebi said before the Games that the striker is billed to have her swansong at the Olympics but expressed her disbelief at Nigerians who constantly enquire about her future with the Super Falcons.
“If I were included in the team for the Olympics and retired afterwards, wouldn’t that be worth it? I am incredibly proud to still be actively playing at 41,” Ebi remarked before the Olympics.
Referencing these remarks by the veteran defender, Pooja took to social media to point out her hanky-panky behaviour.
“Onome Ebi posted my post on her Facebook, but some of us who are close to the team knew she was ‘not happy’ that she was dropped from the Olympic team,” he posted on his X.
“Super Falcons played decently against Brazil, but she didn’t mention or even encourage the team ahead of other matches. We lost all games, and she didn’t even offer sympathy to encourage them as we faced superior teams.
“But guess what? When Brazil entered the final with Marta (in her age bracket), she quickly remembered her password on Facebook to congratulate Brazil and talked about how Brazil took Marta to the Olympics.
“Onome was one of the new faces that benched other veterans and went on to participate in 5 WCs, even the last one in Australia, where she was less effective.
“I don’t have anything against her because she has given HER ALL to our football, but she should give other young ones a chance like they did for her when she broke out.
“NB: Not every journalist is paid to share their opinions.”
