Ahead of and concerning the Super Falcons squad for the upcoming 2024 Olympics, defender Onome Ebi finds herself embroiled in controversy.
While Nigeria secured a historic return to the Olympics stage after a 16-year hiatus, reports suggesting Ebi's inclusion is being forced upon coach Randy Waldrum have sparked outrage from the 41-year-old defender.
Media frenzy ignites controversy, Super Falcons vet responds
Nigerian media reports claiming the former FC Minsk defender's name is secretly in the 2024 Olympics squad list have ignited a firestorm of criticism.
Ebi, a seasoned campaigner with the Super Falcons, took to social media to express her displeasure, particularly towards a certain sports digital creator.
In a scathing Facebook post, she described the news as an exercise in “misleading people”.
The controversy surrounding her potential inclusion has also attracted criticism from fans and pundits questioning her fitness for the Olympic Games.
Ebi, however, has no qualms about defending herself. She slammed those using her name for media attention, labeling them “useless fools” in another Facebook post and accusing “bloggers” of seeking to “use (her) name” to gain online traction.
Ebi claims 2024 Olympics consideration as right, cites Brazil legend
The veteran defender further fueled the debate by referencing Brazilian football legend and six-time FIFA World Player of the Year winner Marta Vieira da Silva.
The 38-year-old has been included in the Brazil 2024 Olympics squad to, in Ebi's estimation, “honour her”.
The former Bayelsa Queens stopper stated that while Marta will likely see limited playing time, her inclusion is a gesture of respect for her immense contribution to Brazilian football. “That’s how to honor people when they want to leave the national team,” Ebi said. “But in my country it’s different, [they use insults to] frustrate your life.”
Her recent social media outbursts highlight the complexities surrounding veteran players and the difficult transition out of international football.
