Super Falcons midfielder Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene has expressed joy at her return to Nigeria’s women’s senior national team after nearly three years away, dismissing social media criticism about her recall.
Okobi-Okeoghene, who missed the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, has returned in time for the pre-WAFCON 2026 friendlies against Cameroon.
The 32-year-old took a nearly two-year break from professional football, during which she gave birth to her first child.
She resumed club football last year with Canadian side Ottawa Rapid FC and rejoined the national team for training in Yaoundé on Wednesday.
“I’m grateful and honoured to be back,” Okobi-Okeoghene said. “I live my life one step at a time. Childbirth is a blessing, not a curse, and I won’t let critics dictate my journey. I want people to expect what I want, not what they think I should.”
She emphasized courage and resilience in balancing motherhood and professional football.
“Being a footballer doesn’t prevent me from having a child. I’ve been married since 2017, and starting a family now shouldn’t raise questions. Anyone pursuing a similar path must be courageous,” she added.
The first friendly against Cameroon’s Indomitable Lionesses is scheduled for Saturday, February 28, with the return leg on Tuesday, March 3.
These matches serve as preparation for the 13th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON 2026), which will run from March 17 to April 3 in Morocco.
Nigeria has already secured automatic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil after a dominant two-legged performance against Benin Republic, continuing their record 16th consecutive appearance at the continent’s premier women’s tournament.
Okobi-Okeoghene’s return signals strength, experience, and determination, promising an exciting campaign for the Super Falcons as they aim to maintain their continental dominance.
