Moroccan defender Nouhaila Benzina has become the first player to wear a hijab at a World Cup.

The BBC reports that the 25-year-old wore the Islamic headscarf as she made her first appearance at the tournament in her side’s 1-0 win over South Korea.

She was an unused substitute during her country’s opening game against Germany, which they lost 6-0.

Morocco is one of eight teams making their debut at this summer’s Women’s World Cup.

According to the BBC, Fifa approved the wearing of head coverings for religious reasons in 2014.

The Independent reports that Morocco is the first Arab or North African nation to qualify for the Women’s World Cup.

The newspaper quotes a co-founder of the Muslim Women in Sports Network, Assmaah Helal, as saying: ‘I have no doubt that more and more women and Muslim girls will look at Benzina and just really be inspired – not just the players, but I think decision makers, coaches, other sports as well.’


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