Super Falcons midfielder Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene has spoken candidly about the challenges and fulfilment of combining motherhood with a professional football career, as she returns to the national team camp in Yaoundé ahead of Nigeria’s double-header international friendly against Cameroon.
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The Falcons are set to face the Indomitable Lionesses on February 28 and March 3 as part of preparations for upcoming international competitions, and Okobi’s return marks a significant personal and professional milestone following the birth of her first child in 2024.
Speaking from camp, the experienced midfielder expressed gratitude and pride at being back in the national setup.
“I am a bit excited. I am grateful and honoured to be back,” Okobi said. “I don’t think anyone should expect what they want from me; rather, they should expect what I want for myself.”
The former World Cup star emphasized the importance of self-belief and courage, noting that motherhood should not be seen as a barrier to a woman’s football career.
“It’s all about being courageous. I got to understand that I am a woman — a strong woman,” she added. “Being a footballer shouldn’t stop you from having a child.”
Okobi, who has been married since 2017, revealed that choosing the right time to start a family was a personal decision shaped by her career journey.
“Having a child now may raise questions from family and others, but I waited because I wanted my career to reach a certain level,” she explained.
“If you want to take this step, just be courageous. If I can do it, you also can.”
Her return has been widely praised as a powerful statement on women’s empowerment in sports, reinforcing the message that professional ambition and family life can coexist.
As the Super Falcons continue preparations in Yaoundé, Okobi’s presence adds both experience and inspiration to a squad blending youth, resilience, and renewed purpose.
