By Victor Kanayo
Nigeria’s Super Falcons striker, Ini Umotong, has announced her retirement from football, aged 28.
The striker made the shocking announcement on her Instagram page.
She wrote, “A trip down memory lane. I’m extremely grateful for my playing career and the incredible memories, experiences and friendships I’ve had along the way
“Really excited for my next opportunity within the sport that has given me so much already. Here’s to the future.”
Iniabasi played for the Falcons at the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada and scored in Nigeria’s 3-0 victory over Romania.
She could not make the cut for the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France.
The First class graduate in Economics just finished her MBA in football industries and this led to her decision to focus on football administration.
Born in Calabar, Nigeria, Umotong alongside her family moved to Birmingham, England when she was one year old.
She is the youngest of six siblings born to Dr Ben Anefiok and Grace Umotong of Ikono in Old Cross River State, South-south Nigeria.
She began playing football at the age of five and it was in Primary school where she was spotted by Birmingham City in 2003.