By Samuel Akpan
After 16 years of distinguished service, 34-year-old centre-back Osinachi Ohale has officially retired from international football, PerSecondNews reports.
The Super Falcons stalwart announced her departure on social media, expressing deep gratitude for an extraordinary 86-cap career that featured four FIFA Women’s World Cup appearances and dominance on Africa’s biggest stages.
“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,” she wrote on Instagram.
As one of Nigeria’s most decorated defenders, Ohale represented the Super Falcons across seven WAFCON tournaments—lifting five continental trophies—and featured in four FIFA Women’s World Cups.
“I gave this jersey my youth, my strength, my sweat, my tears, and my heart. And if I had to do it all over again, I would choose Nigeria every single time.”
She reserved special words for the supporters who walked the road with her: “To the Nigerian fans: thank you for believing in us, supporting us, celebrating with us, and standing by us through every high and every low.
“Your love made wearing this jersey even more special.”
“Today, I say goodbye to international football with no regrets — only gratitude. 86 caps. 16 years. 4 World Cups. 7 WAFCON. 5 WAFCON titles.”
She added:“But the greatest achievement of all is knowing that I had the privilege to serve my country. The jersey will leave my shoulders, but it will never leave my heart.
“Thank you, Nigeria, for allowing me to live my dream. Forever a Super Falcon. Forever a Nigerian Legend.”
Her departure closes an era for one of the most experienced defenders in Super Falcons history, after more than a decade and a half at the highest level.
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