Super Falcons star ends maternity break to become record signing for Canada’s Ottawa Rapid

Canadian club Ottawa Rapid have signed Super Falcons midfielder Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene, just four months after she gave birth to her first child, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 31-year-old joins the Canadian top-flight side ahead of its inaugural Northern Super League (NSL) season.

Okobi-Okeoghene, a four-time African champion with 75 caps for Nigeria, brings a wealth of experience to Ottawa Rapid, making her a standout signing for the burgeoning league.

New home, new journey.
let’s go samba pic.twitter.com/lqupYgHpJO

— ngozi okobi (@NgoziOkobi) January 23, 2025

“Ngozi Sonia Okobi-Okeoghene is a dynamic, offensively minded player with a wealth of experience at the highest levels of the game,” said Kristina Kiss, Rapid's technical director, via Canadian Soccer Daily.

“Her strong 1 vs. 1 attacking abilities make her a constant threat on the ball, and her sharp decision-making ensures she’s always creating dangerous opportunities for her team.”

Okobi-Okeoghene’s career has spanned stints in the NWSL with Washington Spirit, Sweden’s Vittsjö, and Spain’s Levante Las Planas.

On the international stage, she played pivotal roles in Nigeria’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations triumphs in 2010, 2014, 2016, and 2018. Her appearances at the 2015 and 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cups further cemented her reputation as one of Africa’s finest midfielders, a recognition highlighted by her inclusion in the IFFHS CAF Women’s Team of the Decade for 2011–2020.

Super Falcons ace Okobi-Okeoghene is making a return to football after giving birth to her first child for months ago.

To You Lord be praised #itsaboy #proudmommy #blessed
#❤️ pic.twitter.com/urrJd3kKwE

— ngozi okobi (@NgoziOkobi) September 22, 2024

The former Delta Queens star announced the arrival of her child in September, sharing a touching post on social media featuring herself cradling her newborn. The photos followed an earlier reveal of her pregnancy, where she joyfully displayed her baby bump.

Married to Ahmed Okeoghene since 2017, Okobi-Okeoghene has consistently balanced her personal life with a glittering career.

To God be all the glory, our bundle of joy, Nathan Oghenekevwe have been handed to God almighty. Our Lord be praised.#childdedication pic.twitter.com/KDZAFvzTmz

— ngozi okobi (@NgoziOkobi) December 2, 2024

Weeks after her wedding, she returned to action for Nigeria in the Africa Women’s Cup of Nations.

Although she missed the 2023 Women’s World Cup and the Paris Olympics last year due to her pregnancy.

With her signing, Okobi-Okeoghene becomes the first African international in the NSL, adding star power to Ottawa Rapid as they prepare for their debut season.