Post by Sports World (@sportsworld)
Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene, one of Nigeria's most decorated footballers, has revealed that many Super Falcons players are afraid to get married because they fear it could cost them their place in Nigeria's national team.
The 32-year-old superstar, who has won four Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) titles and earned 75 international caps, made the comments while speaking to BBC Sport Africa as Nigeria prepare for the 2026 WAFCON in Morocco.
Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene was recalled by the defending champions earlier this year after a four-year absence following the birth of her son in 2024. Sadly, her presence in the squad was criticized by some.
"Nigerians, most of the fans out there, feel when a woman is married, she's old," Okobi-Okeoghene told BBC Sport Africa.
"When a woman gives birth, she's old, she doesn't have the strength to do whatever she's doing.
The midfielder believes those negative views are even affecting the life choices of her international team-mates.
"They keep making us feel bad about ourselves," she said. "Most of the girls are so scared to get married. They feel by the time they get married, they won't be called to the national team anymore.
"Being a soccer player doesn't stop me from being a wife. It doesn't stop me from being a career woman, an athlete." she added.
"I see so many comments on Instagram, on social media entirely. Those are the comments that keep me going, because they see women like trash in this country - and it's bad."
Her experiences since giving birth mean Okobi-Okeoghene feels compelled to speak out.
"I just want to put a statement out there because of how women are being treated, in Nigeria especially.
"We need to encourage our women. We need to make them understand that of course they can do more.
"Motherhood should not be the end of anyone's story."
Okobi-Okeoghene credits her family with playing a vital role in her comeback.
"One thing I'm so grateful for is that I have a husband and a family who support me," she revealed.
"There are times I get so tired. After training he (her husband) is there for me. He wants me to do what I love. He didn't want me to stop my career because I gave birth."
Her son has also become a source of inspiration.
"Every day I wake up and I see my son, it motivates me to do more. It makes me want to go to the field and work hard, because I need him to see me play football.
"He's already running around with the ball, so he needs to learn a bit from me."
Okobi helped Nigeria win WAFCON titles in 2010, 2014, 2016 and 2018, scored against Sweden at the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada, and was named the "Live Your Goal Player" of the Match.
Four years later, she played every minute of Nigeria's campaign at the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup in France, helping the Super Falcons reach the knockout stage for the first time in 20 years.
Now, she is helping the Super Falcons prepare for another WAFCON campaign in Morocco, where they will face Malawi on July 28, Zambia on August 1 and Egypt on August 5.
#Sports #NaijaPride #NgoziOkobiOkeoghene
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