Sunday Abe, the longtime captain of Sunshine Stars and former Nigeria junior international, has officially announced his retirement from professional football, concluding an 18-year career. The 33-year-old defender made the announcement in Akure, Ondo State, where he reflected on his journey and shared his future plans.
Abe stated, “After much reflection, I have decided to retire from professional football after close to two decades of active involvement as a player. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have served as the captain of my childhood team, Sunshine Stars FC of Akure. Additionally, I cherish the experience gained during my time with Teuta Durres FC of Albania.”
Reflecting on his international career, Abe said, “It has been an honor to represent Nigeria, particularly in the U-17 AFCON and World Cup qualifiers, as well as the 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Egypt. I later advanced to the national U-23 team and the Home-Based Super Eagles in 2010.”
Abe, who holds two coaching certifications, expressed his readiness to transition into coaching and football management roles. “Football will always be a part of me, regardless of the circumstances. Over the past few years, I have been preparing for expanded responsibilities in both team management and administration. I am fully committed to contributing in every possible way outside of active play,” he said.
A product of the Ondo State Football Development Committee’s youth system, Abe began his professional career with Sunshine Stars in 2008. He briefly joined the Albanian club KF Teuta in August 2017 before returning to Sunshine Stars later that year.
Abe played in the Under-17 AFCON and helped Nigeria qualify for the Under-17 World Cup in 2007, although he missed the tournament due to an injury. He later joined the Flying Eagles for the 2009 FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Egypt, playing alongside notable players such as Odion Ighalo and Obiora Nwankwo. In 2010, Abe was called up to the home-based Super Eagles under the late coach Shuaibu Amodu.
In 2013, Abe was appointed captain of Sunshine Stars, a role he held for 17 seasons in the Nigeria Premier Football League, demonstrating unwavering dedication and leadership.
As he transitions from playing to other roles in football, Sunday Abe’s contributions on and off the field are set to leave a lasting impact on the sport in Nigeria.
