Okobi Returns to Super Falcons After Childbirth, Vows Focus Ahead of Cameroon Friendlies

|By Babatunji Wusu

Midfielder Okobi has staged a determined return to the Super Falcons after taking time off football due to pregnancy and childbirth, declaring she is honoured to wear the national colours again.

The 32-year-old received a surprise invitation last week for the Super Falcons’ double-header international friendlies against Cameroon, marking her first call-up since stepping away from the game to start a family.

Reacting to the invitation, Okobi expressed excitement and gratitude, insisting she remains focused and grounded despite the attention surrounding her comeback.

“I’m excited and happy to be back in the team again. I’m grateful and honoured,” she told the Super Falcons media team. “I can’t talk about my expectations at the moment. The way I do things is to take one step at a time.”

Her return has sparked conversations across social media, with mixed reactions trailing the announcement. However, the experienced midfielder dismissed the criticism, maintaining that motherhood has strengthened rather than hindered her journey.

“I have seen a lot of messages and criticism on social media, which I don’t care about. I know what I did and what has happened to me since childbirth. It’s a blessing and not a cause,” she said.

Okobi, who has earned 27 caps for the Super Falcons, now aims to reassert her presence in the squad as Nigeria prepares to face long-time rivals Cameroon in the highly anticipated friendlies. Her recall underscores the team’s confidence in her experience and technical quality as they continue to rebuild and fine-tune the squad.

With her calm resolve and renewed motivation, Okobi’s comeback adds depth and maturity to the Super Falcons’ midfield ahead of the crucial encounters.