Omagbemi pulls out of Olympics

The former Ufuoma Babes and Pelican Star has played in every major tournament for Nigeria since 1991, and says the decision to withdraw was a painful one.

"A scan revealed that I had torn a knee ligament during one of our league games," Omagbemi said.

The Hampton Roads Piranhas midfielder said it is a tough decision but the best to help the Country at the Athens Games.

"I had two options, either to go for corrective surgery and be out of the game for about two or three months, or take treatment and play through the Olympic Games before going for the surgery.

"In the end, I decided to put the country first, and opt out of the Games to allow a fitter player to be there. I love my country, and we are in a very difficult group with Japan and World Cup runners-up Sweden. It is important that every player who is picked to play is 100 percent fit, and if I cannot guarantee that I will be fully committed, there was no reason for me to go," Omagbemi said.

The 29-year old led Nigeria to their first ever World Cup in 1991. She made her international debut as a fresh-faced teenager in the Falcons first ever international; a 7-2 mauling of Ghana in 1991 in a qualification match for that year's World Cup, and has remained a dominant figure ever since.

The W-league star is part of the golden five female footballers who have played in four World Cup finals, a group that includes the legendary American super star Mia Hamm.

Super Falcons, Africa's sole representative in the Women's soccer tournament, face Sweden and Japan in Group E at this year’s Athens Olympics.