Ahead of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon), a highly accomplished Nigerian footballer has criticized prevailing views in the country, singling out supporters who shame players for marrying and having children.
The defending titleholders brought Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene back into the fold earlier this year, ending her four-year hiatus after she gave birth to a son in 2024.
The 32-year-old took part in the Super Falcons’ pre-tournament training, yet some observers questioned her inclusion.
“A lot of Nigerian supporters think once a woman marries, she’s past her prime,” Okobi-Okeoghene told a sports outlet.
“When a woman has a baby, they see her as too old and lacking the energy to keep performing.”
The midfielder, who has won the continental title four times and earned 75 international appearances, thinks such harmful opinions are also shaping personal decisions made by her national teammates.
“They constantly make us feel ashamed of who we are,” she added.
“Many female players are terrified of getting married. They think that once they do, their chances with the national side are over.”
“Playing football does not prevent me from being a wife, a professional, or an athlete.”
“I constantly read remarks on Instagram and across social media. Those very comments motivate me, because many in this country treat women like waste — and that’s terrible.”
Her personal journey after childbirth has driven Okobi-Okeoghene to raise her voice.
“I feel I must make a public statement because of the way women are treated, particularly in Nigeria.”
“We have to support women and show them they are capable of so much more.”
“Becoming a mother should never mean the end of a person’s path.”
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