Nigerian forward Chioma Okafor has been a centre of discussion on social media following her decision to pledge international allegiance to Nigeria over Malawi.
The 21-year-old, who plays for the University of Connecticut in the United States, was born in Malawi to a Malawian mother and a Nigerian father. Just a year ago, she expressed interest in representing Malawi but never received a national team call-up. After moving to the United States, her performances caught the attention of the Nigerian Football Federation, leading her to decline a last-minute invitation from Malawi in June.
Nigeria’s coach, Justin Madugu, included her in the final squad for the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), where the Super Falcons went on to win the tournament after beating Morocco 3-2. Although Okafor did not feature due to injury, her inclusion in the squad marked a major milestone in her career as she received her first-ever international medal.
Explaining her decision, Okafor said, “I took a lot of time, honestly, a couple of years, just thinking about it.”
Major tournaments were the key factor- Okafor
In an interview with Ademola Victor TV, she elaborated: “I knew that with what I wanted to do with my career, I needed the exposure; I needed to play against players that were far better than myself and that’s not to say that Malawian players are not better than me, but I wanted to be in an environment that was very competitive and that looked more appealing on the Nigerian side, given that they attend way more international competitions — World Cup, Olympics.”
She added: “With time Malawi is gonna get there but again, time is always clicking, and I can’t just keep on waiting. I have to take the opportunity that I was given, and I am glad that I am here.”
While Nigeria and Chioma Okafor will aim to defend their WAFCON title next year in Morocco, Malawi will be hoping to qualify for the tournament for the first time.
Nigeria is set to face Benin in October in the final round of the 2026 WAFCON qualifiers. Meanwhile, Malawi, boasting two of Africa’s most prolific female forwards — Tabitha Chawinga of Lyon and Temwa Chawinga of Kansas City Current — will take on Angola for a spot at the tournament.
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