Messi Retires From International Football: Four Super Falcons Who Should Consider Doing The Same

 

Argentina legend and arguably the greatest footballer of all time, Lionel Messi, shocked the football world on Monday when he announced his retirement from international football.

 

The 39-year-old, who led Argentina to the 2022 FIFA World Cup title, broke the news via his social media on August 31. 

 

In an emotional post on Instagram, Messi wrote that it was "a decision that hurt and still hurts deeply but I understand that the time has come,"

 

He brought the curtain down on 21 years of international duty in which he became Argentina's record appearance-maker and top scorer, with 125 goals in 207 games.

 

Expectedly, the news of his retirement was the most discussed football story of the day, as pundits, media houses, and fans couldn't stop singing his praises. 

 

Tributes poured in from across the football world, including from FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who praised Messi for "an extraordinary international career that has inspired millions of people and redefined our sport."

 

While Messi continues to get the praise he truly deserves for bowing out on his own terms, Positive NG Vibes examined the current Super Falcons squad and highlighted some players who might want to consider following Messi's lead.

 

Four Super Falcons Players Who Should Consider Retirement

 

1. Osinachi Ohale

 

At 34, Osinachi Ohale has seemingly lost some of the energy and sharpness she was once known for.

 

This was evident during the WAFCON 2026 opening fixture against Malawi. The veteran centre-back struggled to match the pace and energy of the Chawinga sisters. 

 

Her positioning played a part in Malawi's breakthrough goal, as Temwa Chawinga found space between Ohale and Demehin before beating the onrushing Chiamaka Nnadozie in the 73rd minute.

 

With younger defenders like Shukurat Oladipo, Rofiat Imuran, and Tosin Demehin already established in the team, Osinachi should consider handing the baton over to the next generation.

 

It will interest you to know that Ohale has been with the Super Falcons for 16 years, having made her senior debut in 2010. In that time, she has won five WAFCON titles (2010, 2014, 2016, 2018, and 2024) and earned 87 caps for Nigeria's 10-time African champions.

 

2. Francisca Ordega

 

Ordega is one of the longest-serving Super Falcons players, having represented Nigeria for around 16 years.

 

Since her senior debut in 2010, Ordega has been a mainstay in the team, featuring in four FIFA Women's World Cups (2011, 2015, 2019, 2023) and winning five WAFCON titles along the way. In her prime, she brought pace, dribbling ability, and goal threat to the Super Falcons attack.

 

However, considering that her influence has waned in recent tournaments, she should be considering a retirement from international football.

 

Francisca Ordega was included in the WAFCON 2026 squad in Morocco, but coach Justine Madugu didn't give her much playing time. 

 

Like Ohale, age has caught up with the 32-year-old winger, who has lost her place in the team's starting XI and, at times, the matchday squad list. It may be time for her to bow out and give room for younger, more clinical attacking talents coming through the ranks.

 

3. Halimatu Ayinde

 

When Ayinde burst onto the scene at the 2014 U-20 Women's World Cup, she was tipped to become a strong pillar in the Super Falcons midfield in no time.

 

Halimatu didn't disappoint. She made her senior debut for Nigeria the following year and quickly became a mainstay in the team. Over a decade later, she's still part of the setup, shielding the defence with her strength and mentoring the younger players.

 

Unfortunately, Nigerians didn't see much of her trademark power and quality throughout the WAFCON 2026 campaign. 

 

In the opening game against Malawi, coach Madugu trusted her enough to start her alongside the more attacking-minded Jennifer Echegini and Rasheedat Ajibade in midfield.

 

Sadly, the tactics backfired as Halimatu Ayinde couldn't provide the required shield and Nigeria conceded three goals. 

 

Malawi's attacking midfielder, Faith Chinzimu, was just too mobile and excellent for the Kaduna-born defensive midfielder.

 

Unsurprisingly, coach Madugu dropped Halimatu Ayinde for the more energetic pairing of Deborah Abiodun and Christy Ucheibe in the second group game against Zambia. 

 

While her experience remains valuable, Ayinde, now 31 and with two knee surgeries behind her, may want to start thinking about leaving the scene for the next generation.

 

4. Asisat Oshoala

 

Asisat Oshoala needs no introduction. She's arguably the greatest African women's footballer of all time.

 

The six-time African Women's Player of the Year and the first African player — male or female — to win the UEFA Women's Champions League has played a significant role in the Super Falcons' success over the last decade.

 

While her achievements for club and country speak for themselves, Oshoala's recent performances for the Super Falcons leave little to be desired. 

 

Many fans claim that she's one of the team's best players in Morocco, but that's because the whole team was collectively poor. 

 

Nigeria suffered their earliest-ever WAFCON exit, and for the first time, not a single Super Falcons player was named in the CAF Team of the Tournament. 

 

At 31, Oshoala remains productive, but with the Super Falcons visibly in transition, it may be time to consider making way for younger strikers like Gift Monday and other rising talents to take on a bigger role.

 

Conclusion

 

Whether Ohale, Ordega, Ayinde, and Oshoala choose to step aside or not, Nigeria's shock quarter-final exit has made it clear that change is coming to the Super Falcons, whether by choice or by necessity. 

 

Like Messi, these veterans have given Nigerian football unforgettable moments and deserve to be remembered for their legacies rather than a difficult final chapter.