Nouhaila Benzina becomes first player to wear hijab at World Cup

SourceBBC

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Morocco defender Nouhaila Benzina has made history by becoming the first player to wear a hijab at a World Cup.

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.

The wearing of head coverings for religious reasons was authorised by Fifa in 2014.

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

Benzina, who plays her club football in Morocco, is the first player to wear a hijab at a senior women’s international tournament.

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