Former Super Falcons captain Onome Ebi has completed the inaugural FIFA Players Executive Programme, becoming one of the first footballers to graduate from the initiative designed to prepare current and former players for leadership roles in football administration, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
The former Nigeria international was among the first cohort of participants to complete the programme, which was established by FIFA to equip players with the knowledge and skills required to transition into executive, governance and administrative positions after their playing careers.
Ebi, widely regarded as one of Nigeria's greatest female footballers, enjoyed an illustrious international career spanning nearly two decades. The experienced defender earned more than 100 caps for the Super Falcons and represented Nigeria at multiple FIFA Women's World Cups and Women's Africa Cup of Nations tournaments.
Her successful completion of the programme marks another significant milestone in her career as she prepares for a potential future in football leadership beyond her exploits on the pitch.
The FIFA Players Executive Programme focuses on developing participants in key areas such as leadership, strategic management, governance and decision-making, providing former and current players with the tools needed to make meaningful contributions to football administration at club, federation and international levels.
According to the organisers, the initiative was introduced to address the growing need for former footballers to occupy influential leadership positions within the game, ensuring that individuals with firsthand playing experience are actively involved in shaping the future of football.
Ebi's achievement has been widely celebrated as an important milestone for Nigerian and African women's football, serving as an inspiration for other current and retired players to pursue leadership opportunities while continuing to contribute to the growth and development of the sport off the field.
Having built an outstanding legacy as one of Africa's most decorated defenders, Ebi now appears well-positioned to make another meaningful impact on football through administration and governance in the years ahead.