In Kwara, a Muslim-majority state in north-central Nigeria where religious traditions dominate daily life, some young women are rebelling against cultural expectations through soccer.
They discovered the camaraderie, competitive spirit, and emotional journey of the sport, even as they faced disapproval from those who questioned the suitability of the sport for modestly dressed women.
17-year-old Mariam Muhamed endures even more intense heat and community criticism for her hijab and leggings as she heads to practice at the Model Queen’s Football Academy in Ilorin.
“They say I can’t achieve anything, but I believe I can achieve something big,” she says, despite regularly encountering ridicule on her way to training.
Although it can be uncomfortable at times, maintaining modest attire while playing is non-negotiable for her.
“Sometimes you want to open your hijab, but you shouldn’t expose your hair,” she explained. “I have to pretend to be a good Muslim.”
FIFA banned the hijab in 2007 for safety reasons, resulting in the Iranian women’s team being excluded from the 2012 Olympic qualifiers. This restriction was relaxed in 2012 and completely lifted in 2014. Morocco’s Nohaira Benzina made history as the first hijab-wearing player to compete at the 2023 Senior Women’s World Cup.
Maryam’s mother, Kehinde Muhammad, has weathered criticism for supporting her daughter’s passion. “So many people let me down,” she admitted. “But I respect my children’s decision. I will continue to support her and pray for her.”
She had a custom-made hijab made to match her team jersey, emphasizing, “I advise her that this is the normal attire for a Muslim.”
Model Queen’s Coach Muihideen Abdulwahab is working to change community perceptions. “We go out to meet parents and tell them there are laws governing modest dress,” he said. “And yet some people still say no.”
Basirat Omotosho, a 19-year-old team member, balances his love for soccer with his family responsibilities. She frequently misses training to help her mother sell puff puffs (fried dough snacks) at a roadside stall to support the family.
“Training usually takes place in the morning, but I have to be here,” he explained while serving customers as his teammates occasionally trotted past during practice. “I can’t leave my mother. This is how I make money.”
Basirat’s mother, Titilayo Omotosho, was initially opposed to her daughter’s athletic ambitions.
“Why do women choose soccer?” she asked.
Omotosho’s attitude softened after her husband’s approval and seeing successful Muslim athletes such as Nigerian star Asisat Oshoala. “Seeing other Muslim girls like Asisat succeeding inspired us to let her play too,” she said, referring to her record six African Women’s Player of the Year awards. Oshoala, who plays without a hijab, is from Lagos, in southwestern Nigeria, where Islamic customs are less conservative.
Despite the growing interest, women’s participation remains limited in Ilorin, according to local soccer administrator Anbari Abdulrazaq.
The Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) ranks among the strongest in Africa, dominated by clubs in the south of Lagos and Port Harcourt, where infrastructure and social support are more established. Although the northern and central regions face cultural and religious barriers, grassroots efforts are growing.
Nationally, women’s soccer is growing in popularity due to national team success, increased sponsorship, and development programs. Since 2020, NWFL viewership has increased by 40%, with match attendance increasing by 35% in 2024, according to iTelemedia, a Nigerian media company that monitors viewership trends across local leagues.
During a recent training session, Mohammed and his teammates practiced on the school’s sandy beach as the sun set, their voices mixing with the muezzin’s call to prayer coming from a nearby mosque.
On August 29, Mohammed captained Model Queens in the youth tournament finals, but lost. She high-fived her teammates and celebrated receiving her runner-up medal, but then cried alone in her room, feeling sorry for the loss.
Her family’s support and faith support her determination. “I really love this sport. I’m passionate about it,” she said. “My parents support me, so nothing can stop me. Football is my dream.”
