Super Falcons defender Osinachi Ohale has announced her retirement from international football after 16 years of representing Nigeria.
The 34 year old centre back announced her decision in a farewell statement shared on Friday, bringing an end to a long international career with the Nigerian women’s national team.
Ohale Ends 16 Year International Career
Ohale made her senior debut for Nigeria in 2010 after previously representing the country at youth level.
Over the next 16 years, she became one of the most experienced defenders in the Super Falcons setup, featuring under different coaches and alongside several generations of Nigerian players.
She leaves the national team with 86 appearances for Nigeria.
Four World Cup Appearances
One of the highlights of Ohale’s international career was her participation at four FIFA Women’s World Cup tournaments.
She represented Nigeria at the 2011, 2015, 2019 and 2023 editions of the competition.
She also featured at seven editions of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, making her one of the most experienced players in the history of the Super Falcons.
Five WAFCON Titles
Ohale was part of five Super Falcons teams that won the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
Those title winning campaigns came in 2010, 2014, 2016, 2018 and 2024.
Her international career therefore included more than a decade of competing for Nigeria at the highest level of African women’s football.
Ohale Thanks Nigerians
In her farewell message, Ohale described the decision to retire as difficult and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to represent Nigeria.
She thanked her teammates, coaches, technical staff, family, the Nigeria Football Federation and supporters who followed the Super Falcons throughout her career.
Ohale also said that although she was leaving international football, her connection with the Nigerian jersey would remain.
She ended her message by thanking Nigeria for allowing her to live her dream.
A New Chapter for the Super Falcons
Ohale’s retirement brings an end to another long chapter in her international career.
The defender leaves behind 86 appearances, four World Cup tournaments, seven WAFCON appearances and five continental titles.
Her departure also creates an opportunity for younger defenders to take on greater responsibilities as Nigeria’s women’s national team prepares for its next generation.