Record-holder Onome Ebi reveals tactics to get her parents’ support to play football

Nigeria’s captain, Onome Ebi has revealed the trick she used in making parents support her football career.

The 40-year-old center-back has become the first African player, male or female, to have featured at six different World Cups after making a cameo appearance in their 3-2 against Australia.

The veteran has more than 100 caps for the Super Falcons in a career spanning 23 years. She is a seven-time Women’s African Cup of Nations(WAFCON) participant and four-time winner of the continental tournament.

However, it did not start as a bed of roses for her as she reflects on her journey to the history of FIFA record.

“When I was in school, I would sneak out to go play football,” Ebi told FIFA.com. “

“There was a competition that I was supposed to go to, and my dad said No, you’re not going, ‘I’m not supporting you’, I felt sick.

“When I went to the hospital, I was there for four days. The doctor called my parents and told them something is wrong with me,  [and said] they should talk to me.

“My dad just understood that’s because of football. He came to the hospital and told me ‘Okay, I will let you play.'”