Super Falcons defender Osinachi Ohale has announced her retirement from international football, bringing an extraordinary 16-year career with Nigeria to an end.
The 34-year-old made the announcement on Friday, September 25, 2026, in an emotional statement, saying the decision to walk away from the national team was difficult but that she leaves with gratitude for the opportunity to represent Nigeria.
Ohale retires with 86 international caps, having represented Nigeria at four FIFA Women’s World Cups and seven Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) tournaments. Most notably, she was part of five Super Falcons squads that won the continental title.
With Nigeria, she won WAFCON in 2010, 2014, 2016, 2018 and the 2024 edition, played in 2025. She also featured at the World Cups in 2011, 2015, 2019 and 2023.
One of her most memorable international moments came at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, when she scored Nigeria’s second goal in the Super Falcons’ 3-2 victory over co-hosts Australia and was named Player of the Match.
In her farewell message, she said: “After 16 years of wearing the Nigerian jersey, representing my country, and giving everything I had to the beautiful game, I have made the very difficult decision to retire from international football. The jersey will leave my shoulders, but it will never leave my heart.”
The Confederation of African Football and Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade have paid tributes to Ohale, with CAF writing: “Five WAFCON titles. One immortal legacy. Thank you Ohale for every battle, every trophy and every memory.”
