Sunshine Stars captain and former Nigerian youth international, Sunday Abe, has announced his retirement from professional football after an 18-year career. The 33-year-old defender made the announcement on Wednesday in Akure, Ondo State.

“After careful consideration, I am officially retiring from professional football after nearly two decades of active service as a player,” said Abe. “I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have spent the majority of my career captaining my hometown club, Sunshine Stars FC of Akure, and I will always cherish my time with Teuta Durres FC in Albania.”

Abe also reflected on his time representing Nigeria, including his participation in the U-17 AFCON and World Cup qualifiers, as well as the 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Egypt. He later graduated to the national U-23 team and the home-based Super Eagles in 2010.

In addition to his playing career, Abe is already planning his future in football. “Football will always be a part of me,” he said. “In the later years of my career, I have been preparing for roles off the pitch, whether in coaching or administration, and I am ready to contribute in any way I can.”

Abe’s journey began with the Ondo State Football Development Committee, and he was promoted to Sunshine Stars’ first team in 2006. He represented Nigeria at various youth levels, including the Golden Eaglets in 2007 and the Flying Eagles at the 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Egypt.

In 2013, Abe was appointed captain of Sunshine Stars, where he played for 17 seasons in the Nigeria Premier Football League. His final match was a 1-0 victory over Doma United on June 19, a win that secured the club’s position in the Nigerian topflight.