Sunshine Stars� longtime captain and former Nigeria junior international, Sunday Abe, has officially ended his 18-year career as a professional footballer.
Sunday Abe, a 33-year-old defender, announced his retirement in Akure, Ondo State, expressing gratitude for his journey in the sport and disclosing his plans for the future.
Abe said, �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.�
Highlighting his international adventures, Abe added, �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. Subsequently, I progressed to the national U-23 team and the Home-Based Super Eagles in 2010.�
Abe, who has two coaching certifications, expressed his readiness to transition to roles off the field.
He said, �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 the realms of both team management and administration. I am fully committed to contributing in every possible way outside of active play.�
Note that Sunday Abe is a product of the Ondo State Football Development Committee�s youth system.
He first played for Sunshine Stars of Akure in 2008 before he joined the Albanian club KF Teuta on August 30, 2017, and returned to the Akure-based club in December of the same year.
Abe played in the Under-17 AFCON and also helped Nigeria to qualify for the Under-17 World Cup in 2007. Unfortunately, he didn�t go to the World Cup due to an injury.
After the injury, he joined the Flying Eagles squad for the FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Egypt in 2009 alongside notable players such as Odion Ighalo and Obiora Nwankwo.
Abe was also called up to the home-based Super Eagles under the late coach Shuaibu Amodu in 2010.
In 2013, he assumed the role of Sunshine Stars captain, demonstrating unwavering dedication and leadership throughout 17 seasons in the Nigeria Premier Football League.
