Wafcon 2026: Motherhood should not end playing career, says Nigeria’s Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene

On the eve of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon), one of Nigeria’s most decorated footballers has called out attitudes in the West African country, pointing the finger at fans who make players “feel bad” about becoming mothers and wives.

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.

The 32-year-old was involved in the Super Falcons’ Wafcon preparations but her presence in the squad was criticised 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, a four-time Wafcon winner who has 75 caps, 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.”

“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.”