Onome Ebi explains she returns to NWFL

Newly unveiled Naija Ratels FC player, now captain Onome Ebi has been given land at Life Camp, Abuja.

President of Ratels Sports Development Foundation (RSDF),  Paul Edeh, announced the huge property gift to Onome at the weekend during her unveiling at the prestigious Transcorp Hilton Hotel Abuja.

 Edeh who disclosed that the offer was in line with the Foundation's resolve to continuously lift the status of Women's football in Nigeria, also said RSDF will take responsibility for the monthly payment of Onome's salary as a Naija Ratels player.

He then revealed that Onome would earn N1.5 million monthly, an amount that no woman player plying her trade in Nigeria had earned.

The RSDF boss said, "I'm particularly elated today because what Onome brings to the club is beyond just playing football. His presence will also motivate other players of the club to bring out their best and aspire to be the best, play for Super Falcons, and so on."

 Edeh, the incumbent Chairman of Benue State Football Association who spoke extensively on why legends and others who had done Nigeria proud should be recognised and celebrated said, "Today we have Stephen Keshi stadium and some others named after men who have also done Nigeria proud, but no one is named after any woman.

"The best way to celebrate a woman who has not only made Nigeria but Africa proud is to name one of the stadia after Onome Ebi. For us at the RSDF, we have been at the forefront of developing Women's football for almost five years now.

"We are not only going to celebrate Onome, we will do what is required to celebrate the legend. And that is why today on behalf of RSDF, we will be announcing a parcel of land at Life Camp Abuja for Onome. In addition to that, the Foundation will also take the burden of paying Onome's salary off Naija Ratels.

Talking about the reason for identifying with Onome at such a time like this,  Edeh said, "We are doing this for three reasons. One is to show that we have able-bodied men and women out there who can reach out and celebrate such a phenomenal woman.

"It takes courage to make such a sacrifice that Onome has made because we live in a country that instead of seeking to celebrate a legend like Onome, we vilify her.

"In addition to our commitment, Onome Ebi is one Nigerian player who hasn't doctored her age. Otherwise, today She would've been 29. But instead of telling lies, she has maintained her true age right from on set."

On behalf of RSDF, its president also revealed more packages that seek to celebrate Onome while playing in Nigeria.

He said "Also, in celebration of what she has done and will continue to do for the Super Falcons, we will make sure these three things happen - We will ensure that there will be billboards with Onome Ebi across the Federal Capital Territory.

"We will also ensure that you are in the media space on a daily basis telling the story that will inspire young girls.

"The third thing we will seek to do is to see how Onome Ebi will not only play for Naija Ratels but will move around the country to train and play with various Women's teams so that they can feel her impact."

Earlier, Naija Ratels Chairman, Alisson James-Jegede, who went down memory lane on how she met Ebi before she joined Naija Ratels said, "One thing that struck me as I assumed office as the Chairman of Naija Ratels FC is how do we give back to girl-child in the society and I got talking with the legend Onome Ebi.

"What amazed me is her desire to return home and see how she can give back to society. To me, it's like a fulfilled dream. She is here not just to play for the club after rejecting other juicy offers but to offer whatever she can as a player to support the younger ones and join in their building process. It is just a matter of time before Naija Ratels will produce World stars who will dazzle beyond Africa." 

Responding, Onome who will be wearing Jersey number 5 said she chose Naija Ratels as a veritable platform to impact and give back to Nigeria, adding, "My joining Naija Ratels is beyond playing football. It's about inspiring young upcoming female players from the grassroots. I strongly think my story won't be complete if I don't accomplish the goal of giving back to the Nigerian league, which nurtured me to stardom."

NWFL Chairperson, Nkechi Obi, ex-international Abdul Sule among other dignitaries, the entire management, technical crew, and players of Naija Ratels attended the unveiling ceremony which also showcased the club's new Jerseys for the upcoming season.