Super Falcons midfielder Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene has described her return to the national team after a three-year absence as a deeply personal and fulfilling journey.
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The experienced midfielder, who recently rejoined the Super Falcons squad, addressed conversaî6tions surrounding her time away from international football, clarifying that motherhood was a conscious and joyful decision.
“I feel grateful and honoured to be back,” Okobi said. “It’s been a journey I’ve taken one step at a time.”
Okobi explained that her absence was not shaped by external expectations but by her own life choices.
“Childbirth was a blessing. It was my choice, and I own it fully,” she stated. “Being a footballer does not stop me from being a mother.”
The midfielder acknowledged that returning after a lengthy break requires mental strength and resilience.
“Coming back isn’t just physical. It’s mental too. You have to believe in yourself,” she noted.
Okobi also encouraged women in sports not to feel pressured into choosing between career and family.
“You can be both — a professional athlete and a mother. It’s about courage and trusting yourself,” she added.
Her recall to the Super Falcons has sparked mixed reactions, but Okobi remains focused on contributing positively to the team.
“I’m here to work, to support the team, and to give my best whenever I’m called upon,” she said.
With the Super Falcons preparing for major tournaments, Okobi’s experience could prove valuable in the dressing room.
“Every stage of my life has shaped me. I return stronger, wiser, and more determined,” she concluded.
Her story stands as a powerful reminder that personal growth and professional ambition can coexist, even at the highest level of sport.
