'Motherhood should not be the end of anyone's story'

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."

For many female footballers across Africa, having a child can still feel like the beginning of an uncertain future rather than a new chapter in life.

While motherhood brought joy for Okobi-Okeoghene, it also provided the physical and emotional challenge of rebuilding her career.

She returned to training five months after announcing the birth of her son.

"A child is a gift from God," she said.

"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.

"It didn't take out the ability in me, it only took out my fitness."

Okobi-Okeoghene was surprised - and delighted - to be called back into the Nigeria set-up by coach Justin Madugu for friendlies against Cameroon in February and March and then Senegal in June.

She was not selected for the final squad for the 2026 Wafcon in Morocco, where Nigeria are aiming to win a record-extending 11th title, but described her time with the team as "a privilege".

"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."

Nigeria face Zambia, Egypt and debutants Malawi in Group C at the finals, which will be held from 26 July to 16 August.

All four semi-finalists will qualify for the 2027 Fifa Women's World Cup in Brazil.

World governing body Fifa has introduced a regulatory framework for the protection of female players and coaches in recent years, guaranteeing paid maternity leave and safeguards from discrimination.

Some leagues in Europe, the United States and Australia have gone even further, offering extended leave, childcare support and guaranteed returns to competition.

But implementation remains uneven, particularly in many parts of Africa where women's football often lacks the professional structures needed to enforce such protections.

Recalling her time playing in Sweden, Okobi-Okeoghene pointed to a team-mate who continued to train while pregnant.

"That helped her to come back strong and healthy again, like nothing ever happened," she said.

The difference, Okobi-Okeoghene suggests, is the cultural system that imposes certain limitations on female athletes.

Okobi-Okeoghene credits her family with playing a vital role in her comeback.

"One thing I'm so grateful for is that I have a husband and a family who support me," she revealed.

"There are times I get so tired. After training he (her husband) is there for me.

"He wants me to do what I love. He didn't want me to stop my career because I gave birth."

Her son has also become a source of inspiration.

"Every day I wake up and I see my son, it motivates me to do more.

"It makes me want to go to the field and work hard, because I need him to see me play football.

"He's already running around with the ball, so he needs to learn a bit from me."

Nigeria assistant coach Ann Chiejine, a former goalkeeper who also became a mother during her career, agrees players should not have to choose between starting a family and the game.

"Without God and [a supportive] family, it's going to be very hard," Chiejine said.

"You just have to plan towards it, knowing when you want to be pregnant and when you start your training."

As fans prepare to cheer on the Super Falcons' bid to retain their Wafcon crown, Okobi-Okeoghene has a message for men in Nigeria.

"You have to support your wife.

"No matter how much she needs, please give to them. Because you're the only ones that could actually make us do what we love and also make us satisfied from what we wanted in life."