ILORIN, Nigeria :In north central Nigeria's Muslim-majority state of Kwara, where religious traditions shape daily life, a group of girls are challenging cultural norms by playing soccer.

They've embraced the game's team spirit, competitive thrill, plus the highs and lows of winning and losing, all whilst trying to ignore the disapproval of those who consider it unsuitable for women who choose to dress modestly.

As Maryam Muhammed laces up her boots and heads to soccer training at a local school in Ilorin, she feels the sweltering heat - made worse by her hijab and leggings - as well as the scorn from some in the local community.

Muhammed, 17, regularly hears taunts as she walks to her

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