)
Nouhalia Benzina created a piece of FIFA Women's World Cup history by becoming the first woman ever to compete at the tournament while wearing a hijab.
Benzina, a devout Muslim, made her first appearance at the Women's World Cup for Morocco against South Korea.
Benzina had been left out of her country's opening game — a 6-0 defeat against Germany on July 24.
She was re-instated into the team and started in central defence, putting in an immaculate display as she led the Atlas Lionesses to a historic first-ever Women's World Cup win.
)
South Korea vs Morocco: Atlas Lionesses return from the dead to make FIFAWWC history
Benzina makes World Cup history
)
)
The 25-year-old, who plays for the Association's Sports of Forces Armed Royal team in Morocco, was inserted into the starting lineup by head coach Reynald Pedros.
Clad in traditional headwear, in perfect sync with her team's white jersey, Benzina was a rock at the back, intercepting, blocking, and making key tackles to keep her team in the game.
)
The topic of the hijab being used in sports, remains one that splits opinion, with France banning its use in football matches.
Benzina is yet to speak on her decision to play while wearing the hijab, but for embracing her faith so openly and her performance in Morocco's win, her story will spread far and wide.
)
15:15 - 29.07.2023
Super Falcons vs Ireland: Oshoala and team mates play with Kangaroos ahead of final World Cup group game
Oshoala, Payne, Plumptre, Onumonu, Ajibade, and other Super Falcons stars go on a Kangaroo visit ahead of the final World Cup group game against Ireland.
Related content
)
07:46 - 30.07.2023
South Korea vs Morocco: Atlas Lionesses return from the dead to make FIFAWWC history
Morocco's Atlas Lionesses are back in contention at the FIFAWWC after reaching a milestone against South Korea.
)
17:56 - 29.07.2023
Super Falcons: Oshoala has surpassed Nkwocha and Akide as Nigeria’s greatest women’s player
When Mercy Akide and Perpetua Nkwocha dominated Women’s football in Africa, not many believed that their records could be matched, but years later, the story is different.
)
17:55 - 29.07.2023
Panama vs Jamaica: Reggae Girlz make FIFAWWC history against stubborn Canal Girls
Allyson Swaby has become a national hero in Jamaica after she inspired her country to a historic outing against Panama in the FIFAWWC.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)