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Ebenezer Bajela
Reactions have trailed the sudden retirement of Super Falcons striker, Ini-Abasi Umotong, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The 28-year-old forward recently announced the retirement on her Instagram page, bringing an end to speculations over her future.
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.”
Teammates and fans however took to her page to react to the striker’s early retirement.
Swedish footballer and former teammate at Brighton Amanda Nilden emotionally wrote, “All the best to you my friend. I want to thank football for meeting you.”
Another ex-teammate, Alice Belcher, added, “I did not expect to open Instagram and see my face. Those were some brilliant days. Miss you of course.
“Good luck with whatever your next opportunity is, I’m sure whatever it is you will smash it because you always had the mindset that you were going to be the best in whatever you did.”
“Created the best of friendships playing alongside you – can’t wait to see you smash your next chapter,” Sophieh1207 replied.
Jpericsson7 asked, “What’s happening? Why’s she retiring?”
Colin Udoh wrote, “Goodluck on the next chapter. Sad to see you leave so soon.”
Umotong earned her first call up to the Falcons in February 2015 when coach Edwin Okon invited her and 35 other players to camp ahead of the 11th African Games qualifiers, 2016 Olympic Games qualifiers and the Women’s World Cup.
She played for the Falcons at the 2015 Women’s World Cup in Canada and scored in Nigeria’s 3-0 victory over Romania.
She, however, didn’t make the final list for the 2019 Women’s World Cup in France.
Umotong, who graduated with First class in Economics, recently finished her MBA in football industries, leading to speculations about her decision to retire and focus on football administration.