Okobi-Okeoghene Advocates for Women in Nigerian Football

Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene, a former midfielder for Levante and a four-time Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) champion, stated that many players of the Super Falcons are hesitant to marry due to fears of losing their spots on Nigeria's national team. Speaking to BBC Sport Africa, the 32-year-old, who has 75 international caps, shared her personal experience after marrying Okeoghene Ahmed in 2017 and continuing her football career.

Okobi-Okeoghene missed the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the Paris 2024 Olympic Games due to a high-risk pregnancy, giving birth to her son Nathan in September 2024 in Canada. She returned to competitive football in June 2025 with Ottawa Rapid FC and was later recalled to the Super Falcons by head coach Justin Madugu for the 2026 WAFCON in Morocco.

Okobi-Okeoghene argues that negative attitudes towards married women in sports contribute to players delaying family planning, asserting that marriage and motherhood should not hinder a football career.