Ohale announces retirement after 16-year Falcons spell

Osinachi Ohale, the centre-back for Nigeria's Super Falcons, has announced her retirement from international football after a 16-year career with the team, according to Saturday PUNCH. The 34-year-old defender described the decision as difficult, having worn the Nigerian jersey for so long. Ohale made her debut for Nigeria in 2010 and went on to earn 86 caps, including appearances in four FIFA Women’s World Cups and seven Women’s Africa Cup of Nations tournaments.

She was part of five WAFCON-winning squads and scored crucial goals in the 2023 World Cup and the 2024 WAFCON final. Ohale expressed her gratitude to her teammates, coaches, staff, family, Nigeria Football Federation, and Nigerian fans for their support throughout her career. She thanked her fans for believing in and supporting her through every high and low, stating that their love made wearing the jersey even more special.

Ohale concluded by saying that her greatest achievement was serving her country, and that the jersey will leave her shoulders but will never leave her heart.