Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene challenges motherhood stereotypes in Nigerian soccer
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 23, 2026, 5:01 PM
Last updated Jul 23, 2026
Nigeria's Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene, a key player for the Super Falcons, speaks out ahead of the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon), addressing societal pressures that discourage female athletes from marriage and motherhood. After giving birth in 2024, she returned to the national team but faced criticism. Okobi-Okeoghene emphasizes that motherhood should not hinder a woman's athletic or professional aspirations. She aims to inspire fellow sportswomen to reject negative societal views and see motherhood as a potential new chapter rather than an end. The Wafcon runs from July 26 to August 16 in Morocco.
- •Okobi-Okeoghene returned to football after four years following childbirth.
- •She criticized societal views on motherhood affecting female athletes in Nigeria.
- •Nigeria competes in Group C of Wafcon against Zambia, Egypt, and Malawi.
- •Four semi-finalists will qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup.
- •Okobi-Okeoghene was not selected for the final Wafcon squad but values her recent experience with the team.
- 5:01 PMYahoo Sports — 'Motherhood should not be the end of anyone's story'
- 5:01 PMBBC Football — 'Motherhood should not be the end of anyone's story'
"After returning to football after giving birth, Nigeria's Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene says social media users makes players "feel bad" about getting married and having children.
"After returning to football after giving birth, Nigeria's Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene says social media users makes players "feel bad" about getting married and having children.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJul 23, 2026, 5:01 PM'Motherhood should not be the end of anyone's story'
After returning to football after giving birth, Nigeria's Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene says social media users makes players "feel bad" about getting married and having children.
- BBC FootballJul 23, 2026, 5:01 PM'Motherhood should not be the end of anyone's story'
After returning to football after giving birth, Nigeria's Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene says social media users makes players "feel bad" about getting married and having children.
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