Nouhaila Benzina went down in Women’s World Cup historical past as the primary participant to put on a hijab at a recreation when Morocco battled South Korea on Sunday.
World governing physique FIFA lifted its ban on footballers carrying the hijab almost a decade in the past, after earlier issues over participant security.
The 25-year-old defender Benzina, who performs her membership soccer in Morocco, ran out in opposition to South Korea in Adelaide to jot down her title within the historical past books.
Benzina shared social media posts within the lead-up to the World Cup about carrying a hijab however has not spoken to the media in Australia and New Zealand about it.
She informed broadcaster Al Jazeera not too long ago it will be a proud second.
“Lots of work was done over many years, and thank God it had a positive result,” she stated.
“We hope to play at a high level and honor Moroccans,” she added.
Several different sports activities have lifted hijab bans lately together with basketball, however it’s nonetheless not allowed throughout official soccer matches in France.
“I have no doubt that more and more women and Muslim girls will look at Benzina and just really be inspired – not just the players, but I think decision makers, coaches, other sports as well,” stated Assmaah Helal, a co-founder of the Muslim Women in Sports Network.
Morocco is the primary Arab or North African nation to qualify for the Women’s World Cup.
“We are honored to be the first Arab country to take part in the Women’s World Cup,” Morocco captain Ghizlane Chebbak informed reporters earlier than the match.
“We feel that we have to shoulder a big responsibility to give a good image, to show the achievements the Moroccan team has made,” she added
Source: www.dailysabah.com
