Stella Mbachu backs 40-year-old Onome Ebi to remain in Super Falcons fold

By Saheed Afolabi

Former Nigeria international, Stella Mbachu has urged Onome Ebi not to throw in the towel on her international career with the country.

The Super Falcons skipper has been called out by some Nigerians to call it time on journey with the Super Falcons and give room for younger players to excel and earn their place in the team.

The former Super Falcons midfielder insists Ebi still has the right to remain in the national team setup as long she’s fit and active, stressing that the 40-year-old defender can compete with the younger players for a place in the team.

“The talk about her (Ebi) stay in the national team is long overdue is not right, as long as she remains fit and still very active,” Mbachu told Punch.

“I believe if she can continue to compete with the younger ones she should be allowed to remain, except the coach feels otherwise because I know that age means nothing as long as she still has the strength and can still give what the younger ones can’t.

“No one should force her to retire because her presence in the team is good for the younger ones. She will serve as a motivating factor to them and keep them on their feet because they know they need to work extra to beat her. People should stop saying she has overstayed her time in the team because even her experience is needed.”

Onome set a record to become the first African player to appear at the FIFA Women’s World Cup for the sixth time at the mundial in Australia. She appeared at her first World Cup in 2003.