Reported by: Puis Althea | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Nigeria's Super Falcons midfielder Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene has launched a blistering attack on the misogynistic attitudes that continue to plague women's football in Nigeria, revealing that many of her teammates are terrified of getting married because they believe it will cost them their place in the national team. The 32-year-old, who was recalled to the Super Falcons earlier this year after a four-year absence following the birth of her son in 2024, said she was shocked by the criticism that greeted her return to the squad as she prepared for the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
In a candid interview with BBC Sport Africa, the four-time WAFCON winner and 75-cap international did not hold back in her condemnation of the toxic societal attitudes that force female footballers to choose between their personal lives and their careers. "Nigerians, most of the fans out there, feel when a woman is married, she's old," Okobi-Okeoghene said. "When a woman gives birth, she's old, she doesn't have the strength to do whatever she's doing." She went further, stating: "They see women like trash in this country — and it's bad."
The midfielder, who was not selected for the final WAFCON squad despite her recall, said the constant criticism and negative comments on social media have created a deeply entrenched mindset within Nigerian women's football that forces players to deliberately stay single to protect their place in the squad. "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," she revealed. According to Okobi, the stereotype extends to motherhood, with many people wrongly assuming that women lose the physical strength and ability needed to perform professionally after giving birth. "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 insisted.
Reflecting on her own journey, Okobi admitted that returning to football after childbirth was one of the toughest challenges she has ever faced. She resumed training just five months after giving birth and struggled to regain her fitness. "It was tough and a struggle to get myself back, that actually took a long while. My team-mates helped push me, especially at that initial stage," she said. "It didn't take out the ability in me, it only took out my fitness." She credited her husband and family for their unwavering support, revealing that her husband actively encouraged her to continue her career. "He wants me to do what I love. He didn't want me to stop my career because I gave birth," she said.
Okobi also drew attention to the stark contrast between Nigeria and more progressive football nations. She recalled playing in Sweden where a teammate continued training while pregnant and returned to the game stronger than ever, arguing that the difference lies in the cultural system that imposes certain limitations on female athletes in Nigeria. While FIFA has introduced a regulatory framework protecting female players and coaches, guaranteeing paid maternity leave and safeguards from discrimination, implementation remains uneven, particularly in many parts of Africa where women's football often lacks professional structures to enforce such protections.
Despite the challenges and the criticism, Okobi described her time with the Super Falcons as "a privilege" and insisted she will continue to support the team. "I always love representing my country any day, any time. Come rain, come sun, I'll keep supporting the team because it's my team. I am not an outsider," she said. Her message is clear: being a footballer does not stop her from being a wife, a mother, or a career woman, and she hopes other female athletes will feel empowered to embrace all aspects of their lives. "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," she declared.
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