Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade has paid tribute to Osinachi Ohale after the veteran defender announced her retirement from international football, describing her former teammate as a “true legend”, Footynaija.com reports.
Ohale brought her 16-year career with Nigeria to an end on Friday, having represented the Super Falcons at four FIFA Women’s World Cups and seven Women’s Africa Cup of Nations tournaments.
The 34-year-old defender finished her international career with 86 caps and five WAFCON titles, making her one of only five players to have won the continental championship five times.
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Following the announcement, Ajibade took to X to celebrate the contribution Ohale made to the national team and the Nigerian jersey.
“Thank you, Osi, for everything you gave to Nigeria. You defended this badge with your whole heart, every single time,” Ajibade wrote.
“I’m so proud of you. The whole Super Falcons family is proud of you. You are a true legend. Enjoy this next chapter. You’ve earned it ma’am.”
Ohale was part of Nigeria’s WAFCON-winning teams in 2010, 2014, 2016, 2018 and 2024, with the latter title officially recognised as the 2024 edition after the tournament was staged in Morocco in 2025.
Her international career also included appearances at the 2011, 2015, 2019 and 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cups, while she featured prominently for Nigeria at the 2026 WAFCON.
One of the memorable moments of her World Cup career came in 2023 when she scored against hosts Australia in Nigeria’s 3-2 group-stage victory.
Ohale leaves the Super Falcons having established herself as one of the most experienced defenders in Nigerian football, with Ajibade among those to publicly celebrate the legacy she leaves behind.
