- Super Falcons midfielder Ngozi Okobi has welcomed her first child
- Okobi was excluded from the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup squad by Randy Waldrum
- The midfielder had represented Nigeria in multiple international tournaments over the last 10 years
Super Falcons midfielder Ngozi Okobi has proudly announced the birth of her child, which marks the beginning of a new chapter in her life.
The former AFC Eskilstuna player shared the heartwarming news on Tuesday, September 17, via social media, delighting her fans with the news of her journey as a mother.
“Congratulations to me. #godbepraised #iamamother #newmom. I am in my new season #NSPPD,” Okobi wrote alongside glowing photos of her baby bump.
Ngozi Okobi has had an impressive football career in the women’s team, representing Nigeria in major tournaments such as the 2010 U-17 Women’s World Cup, the 2010 WAFCON, the 2012 FIFA U-20 World Cup, and the 2014, 2016, 2018, and 2022 WAFCON competitions.
Okobi also competed in the 2015 and 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cups. However, she was left out of the 2023 World Cup squad by former coach Randy Waldrum and has not returned to the national team since.
While Okobi’s announcement brought pleasant congratulatory wishes and messages, it also took some fans by surprise, with many expressing astonishment at seeing a professional female footballer becoming a mother during her playing career. The reality, though, is that female players are entitled to maternity leave under FIFA regulations.
According to FIFA rules, female footballers are guaranteed a minimum of 14 weeks of parental leave, with at least eight weeks granted post-birth. This leave must be paid at a rate of no less than two-thirds of the player’s salary, although more favourable conditions may apply under national law or collective bargaining agreements.
A notable precedent in the world of women’s football came when Juventus midfielder Sara Bjork Gunnarsdottir won a landmark case after her former club, Lyon, failed to pay her fully during her pregnancy. Gunnarsdottir successfully claimed €82,094.82 in outstanding remuneration, plus five per cent interest, reinforcing the rights of female footballers to maternity protections.
Netizens react to Ngozi Okobi’s child-birth announcement
TheRadar has compiled below reactions by netizens as regards an announcement from Super Falcons player, Ngozi Okobi
“Congratulations star player. God is good. 🙏🏽” @NGfooty stated.
“Congratulations. God bless you, the baby and the whole family,” @OloladeOjo2 commented.
“Congratulations to you my everyday crush in Nigeria female ...
God bless you,” @Dammydudu2 mentioned.
“Is she still active?
I guess not,” TaiwoMuyiwa3 asked.
“You can see her packs on the sides even with the baby bump in between. Awesome God indeed. Congrats 🎊,” @DjPapiLondon mentioned.
“You owe the child your dedication 💛♥️🟡,” @EgwemiCFC stated.
“This one don spoil rules , footballer dey get belle again? Wetin go do her monthly payment,” @Godmycontroller enquired.
Paris Olympic 2024: Super Falcons defender Ebi discusses being left out of squad
Previously, TheRadar reported that Nigeria’s Olympic journey, though filled with many ups and downs and a rollercoaster of emotions for athletes and fans, has not failed to thrill netizens with different episodes of ‘drama.’
One of the most talked-about stories involves Super Falcons defender Onome Ebi, who recently took to social media to address her exclusion from Nigeria’s Paris 2024 Olympic squad.
Despite her disappointment, she emphasised her respect for the coaching staff and team management.
