Courage in sport is often defined by moments on the pitch – be it last-minute goals, bruising tackles or improbable comebacks.

The word has taken on a deeper meaning for Nigerian footballer Blessing Illivieda over the past few weeks.

On 23 May, just days before she was due to report to a Super Falcons training camp, the 27-year-old’s world changed forever when her husband Ibrahim Abiola died suddenly after a brief illness.

“I miss him so much,” Illivieda told BBC Sport Africa.

“I have a picture of him I look at before going out for training, and tell him to keep watch over me as I chase the dreams we both had for my career.

“It was my second call-up and he was very excited for me. He had planned to come watch our game (against Cameroon).

“I was expecting him to come watch me like he promised.

“It was a surprise when I was called [and told] he was sick and admitted to the hospital. He died two days later.”

Despite being in the midst of grief, Illivieda took a decision which few would have the strength to make.

After consulting with family members she elected to join up with her international team-mates.

“Not everyone will understand,” the defender admitted.

“My husband’s elder sister said even if I cry until tomorrow, what has happened has happened. I spoke with my mother and said I do not want to go to the camp. She told me to go and use it to honour my husband.

“It’s not easy for me, but coming to camp was a way of honouring him. Being part of it means a lot to me.”

With Nigeria preparing for the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon), the sympathy she received after her loss was combined with others who questioned her decision.

Illivieda was an unused substitute in the 2-0 win over Cameroon on 3 June, but her own conviction never wavered.

“People will always talk but I am focused on making a victory out of my pain,” she said.