Nouhaila Benzina says she is pleased to be the first woman to wear a hijab at the Women’s World Cup, a feat she achieved during Morocco’s 1-0 Group H win over South Korea on Sunday.
The ASFAR defender started and finished the game in Adelaide, instantly grabbing headlines once she appeared on the pitch. It was her first appearance in the competition having been confined to the bench in the 6-0 bashing of Germany earlier.
There has always been debate on the eligibility of women to use head coverings in FIFA-sanctioned events as religious or political representation is against FIFA rules. Benzina however says it has nothing to do with sport but is a personal choice.
“Thanks to God, I’m the first Moroccan and Arab player to wear the hijab and represent Arab countries and I’m very happy for that,” she told FIFA+
“My message to Hijabis is to stick to their dreams. It has nothing to do with sport, it is a personal choice. It is important to stick to it as it will make you proud everywhere.”
Benzina’s hijab-wearing act has received positive reactions across the world and is seen as a move that will inspire more women Muslim women footballers both upcoming and established players to cover their heads without any backlash or criticism, giving room for a more inclusive environment.
Morocco are appearing in the Women’s World Cup for the first and could stand a chance to progress to the knockout phase if they defeat Colombia in their final Group H game in Perth on Thursday and Germany fail to defeat South Korea in Brisbane.
