Fighting For Freedom
Nilab Mohammadi, Australia
In August 2021 the Taliban took control of Afghanistan. Members of the Afghan Women’s National Team were forced into hiding, before they fled the country to safety in Australia with help from the team’s former captain Khalida Popal.
Since then, they have built new lives in Australia and resumed playing football. This has included the formation of the Melbourne Victory Afghan Women's Team.
In partnership with Hummel, Goal Click is telling the stories of the players of the Afghanistan Women’s National Team. Hummel has been a long-time supporter of the team, providing kit for the team and aid for their journey in Australia. To support the team and their fight for equality, you can buy their jersey here.
Nilab Mohammadi, 25, is a striker with the team and now lives in Melbourne. She tells the story of her football career in Afghanistan, being the first futsal coach in the country, and her experiences in Australia.
Can you introduce yourself and tell us about your sports journey up until now?
My name is Nilab Mohammadi, I am 25 years old, and I am from Afghanistan. I started playing football seven years ago and I am a striker, playing for the Afghan Women’s Team at Melbourne Victory FC. I previously worked in the army in Afghanistan.
In Afghanistan, I completed my degree in political science at Kardan University. I was waiting for my graduation to obtain my degree when the Taliban took over the government. In August 2021, I moved to Australia. I studied English at Swinburne University of Technology and then moved to River Nile School, which is a migrant school with a curriculum equivalent to High School. The reason I decided to move to this particular school was to pursue my education properly and get into the Army.
Initially I started playing football out on the streets with the boys in Afghanistan. Then when I was 17 years old, I started playing professionally. I played in an international competition which had teams from five countries participating, and I was chosen as the best player in the tournament. I was then invited to Afghanistan’s national women’s team, where we participated in many tournaments and competitions. I have also captained the team.
I was also the first woman to be a futsal coach in Afghanistan. A good player can become a great coach. I was encouraged by my coaches to take a course, which I did and graduated with the highest marks. My wish has always been to be a very strong player and to be an excellent coach.
Why is football so important for you and your community in Afghanistan?
Women's football was not acceptable in Afghanistan, but us girls had to defend our rights and pursue our interests. This was important for the progress of our country. Football means life. Football unites people from every country. Women's football means fighting for freedom in many parts of the world.
What impact has hummel had on you and your team?
By supporting the national team, Hummel opened up a pathway for the women of Afghanistan to defend their rights and follow their dreams in football. This took place with the cooperation of Khalida Popal. I would like to thank them and convey my gratitude for their hard work.
How has your experience of playing in Australia been so far?
Coming to Australia and starting life from zero has not been an easy journey. I was lucky to find a new friend, Ms Homaira Mershedi, and have her by my side. She is a friend with whom I could easily talk. Other than her, my sister Khurshid and Atoos (Homaira’s fur baby and my “hope”), I had no one else. We always wait up for each other and I am the most fortunate person to have them by my side.
The experience of playing in Australia is great, especially the coaching. We have great colleagues, who encourage us well. Soccer in Australia has been challenging and it will take me time before I am able to join one of the national teams - my ambition is to play for Australia.
