Nouhaila Benzina, a Moroccan defender, is the first woman to don a hijab at the ongoing Women’s World Cup in Australia.
The 25-year-old Benzina wore an Islamic headscarf during her tournament debut on Sunday when her team defeated South Korea 1-0.
Recall that in 2014, FIFA, the global regulating body of football, authorized the wearing of religious head coverings during matches.
This will enable female Muslim athletes who wear a hijab daily to also cover their heads during games.
Meanwhile, the following are a few things to know about Moroccan defenders:
- Benzina was born in Kenitra, Morocco, on May 11, 1998.
- She is a defender for ASFAR and the national team of Morocco.
- Benzina has represented Morocco at both the under-20 and senior levels.
- During the ongoing 2023 Women’s World Cup tournament in Australia, she made her first World Cup participation and Morocco’s first-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup appearance.
- Her marital status is ambiguous.