ADELAIDE: Morocco’s defender Nouhaila Benzina has made history as the first female footballer to wear a hijab while playing at Women’s World Cup.
A FIFA ban on playing in religious head coverings in its sanctioned sports was reversed in 2014 after advocacy from athletes, activists, government, and football officials.
🙌@EnMaroc | #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/tUZnCMrwhS
— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) July 30, 2023
Assmaah Helal, a co-founder of the Muslim Women in Sports Network said that more women will follow Benzina. Morocco’s defender plays professional club football for the Association’s Sports of Forces Armed Royal. However, she did not play in Morocco’s opening match against Germany in Melbourne.
Morocco is the first Arab country to qualify for the mega event. Commenting over the matter, Morocco captain Ghizlane Chebbak said that they were honored to be the first Arab nation to take part in the Women’s World Cup. She added, “We feel that we have to shoulder a major responsibility and duty to give a good image, to display the achievements of her team.
