MOROCCAN footballer Nouhaila Benzina etched her name in the history books on Sunday by becoming the first player to wear a hijab in a FIFA Women’s World Cup match. The landmark moment occurred during the Women’s World Cup hosted jointly by Australia and New Zealand.
The 25-year-old Atlas Lionesses defender, the sole hijabi athlete in the tournament, proudly represented her nation as Morocco triumphed 1-0 against South Korea in a thrilling Group H encounter held in Adelaide, Australia. Throughout the match, Benzina sported a white hijab, symbolising her faith and breaking barriers in women’s football.
The winning goal that secured Morocco’s victory was scored by forward Ibtissam Jraidi early in the game, sparking celebration and pride among the Moroccan contingent.
Morocco made their highly anticipated debut in the 2023 Women’s World Cup, making this occasion even more momentous for the nation and its football community.
Prior to this historic appearance, Nouhaila Benzina served as an unused substitute in Morocco’s opening match at the tournament, where they faced a tough challenge against Germany, ultimately losing 6-0 on July 24 in Melbourne.
In a significant decision in 2014, the International Football Association Board (IFAB), the governing body of world football, authorised Muslim players to wear hijab during matches, allowing athletes like Benzina to freely express their faith while participating at the highest level of the sport.
Benzina’s groundbreaking moment serves as an inspiration for Muslim athletes worldwide, breaking down barriers and promoting inclusivity in women’s football. Her performance on the field and her symbolic representation of her faith exemplify the power of sports in promoting unity and diversity on a global stage.