Veteran Super Falcons goalkeeper Tochukwu Oluehi, 37, has parted ways with Saudi Women’s Premier League club Eastern Flames. Concerns about her career arose after she last played on April 19, 2024, in a 5-0 defeat against Al Hilal, logging just 26 minutes. After being benched in the following match against Al Qadsiah, she left the club to join the Super Falcons’ camp for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Despite Nigeria’s group stage exit at the tournament, Oluehi did not feature as the reigning CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year, Chiamaka Nnadozie, was preferred. Since then, she has been absent from Eastern Flames’ squads, leading to speculation about her retirement. However, her agent clarified that Oluehi is currently a free agent, spending time with her family, and hinted at a potential return to club football.
Oluehi remains a prominent figure in Nigerian football, having participated in four World Cups and four WAFCON tournaments. She was instrumental in Nigeria’s 2018 WAFCON victory and is the only squad member from the 2008 Beijing Olympics to feature in the 2024 team. Most recently, she garnered attention when her international teammate Ashleigh Plumptre scored three goals against her in a match.
Editorial
The Bet9ja promotion code for February 2025 is YOHAIG. Bet9japromotioncode.com.ng has more info about the Bet9ja promotion code 2025 in Nigeria. Follow this link for more - https://www.bet9japromotioncode.com.ng/. This Bet9ja promo code gives a Bet9ja welcome bonus of up to ₦100,000 on your first deposit. The minimum deposit to bet is ₦100! USE the Bet9ja login signup and the Bet9ja bonus code to get started today on the Bet9ja website. Bet9ja offers a 170 per cent multiple boost bonus and a free bet for either Bet9ja sport or Bet9ja casino. To open a Bet9ja account and be a Bet9ja customer, you must go through the registration process here. Terms and conditions apply when you register with Bet9ja to get the bonus.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As fans of Nigerian football, we must commend Tochukwu Oluehi for her enduring contributions to the Super Falcons. Her journey reflects not just longevity but also excellence, as she has been a constant presence in the national team for nearly two decades. Her recent challenges, including limited game time and her departure from Eastern Flames, mark a transitional period in her illustrious career.
Oluehi’s story reminds us of the evolving dynamics of women’s football and the hurdles faced by athletes who age while still aiming to contribute meaningfully. Despite her current inactivity, Oluehi’s legacy is secure. Her heroics during Nigeria’s ninth WAFCON title in 2018 and her role in four World Cups highlight her commitment to the sport.
The speculation surrounding her retirement underscores a critical question: how do we support seasoned players navigating the twilight of their careers? Oluehi’s situation reflects the broader need for systems that help players transition, whether into coaching, mentorship, or other roles within the sport.
We look forward to seeing Oluehi’s next steps, confident that her resilience will pave the way for another chapter in football.
Did You Know?
- Tochukwu Oluehi is one of the few African goalkeepers to have played professionally in both Africa and the Middle East.
- She earned the nickname “Super Heroine” for her penalty saves in the 2018 WAFCON final.
- Oluehi debuted for Nigeria in 2007 and is among the longest-serving Super Falcons players.
- She is one of the first Nigerian players to represent the country at two Olympics, 2008 and 2024.
- In 2023, she became the first African goalkeeper to face three goals from a teammate in a competitive club match.
