Meet Chioma Okafor: The Malawi-born star ready to fly Nigeria’s colours at the WAFCON in Morocco

In a Nigerian squad filled with familiar names and established stars, one name stood out like a bolt from the blue when the Super Falcons’ WAFCON squad was announced — Chioma Okafor.

Born and raised in Malawi to a Nigerian father and a Malawian mother, 20-year-old Okafor has never played for Nigeria. In fact, she’s never featured for any national side.

But next month in Morocco, that changes — she’ll be donning the famous green-and-white jersey at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, and her story is one of talent, perseverance, and dual heritage.

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These are Justin Madugu’s heroes for #MissionX
The quest for a historic 10th title begins now #TotalEnergiesWAFCON2024 #SoarSuperFalcons pic.twitter.com/tioyU5cCmR

— NGSuper_Falcons (@NGSuper_Falcons) June 20, 2025

Okafor grew up playing football on the dusty pitches of Malawi, where opportunities for young girls in the game were scarce. But that didn’t stop her.

“I just loved the game,” she once said. “There weren’t many girls playing, but I never let that stop me.”

Her journey took a significant turn in 2019 when she moved to the United States for school.

At Berkshire School in Massachusetts, she lit up the high school football scene, guiding her team to playoff appearances and catching the attention of college scouts.

That led to a scholarship at the University of Connecticut (UConn), where she quickly became a standout performer.

US-based Nigerian forward, Chioma Okafor switches allegiance to Nigeria and has been invited to the Super Falcons for the WAFCON in Morocco.

She plays for University of Connecticut.

Watch the highly rated Chioma Okafor will bring to the Super Falcons. pic.twitter.com/40HtoyBTsN

— Olaiya Azeez Lawal (@OlaiyaAzeezLaw1) June 20, 2025

In 2022, Okafor was named to both the All-BIG EAST Second Team and the All-BIG EAST Freshman Team. A year later, she earned national recognition as an NSCAA Third Team All-American — with her standout qualities being her pace, intelligent movement, and clinical finishing.

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Chioma Okafor, Nigeria’s new goalscoring Princess 

Naturally, her talent sparked international interest. The Football Association of Malawi had their eyes on her, even extending a call-up for friendly matches earlier this year. But academic commitments kept her from joining the Scorchers.

Still, the tug of Nigeria — her father’s homeland — proved stronger.

“Following discussions with her parents and formal communication from the Nigeria Football Federation, Chioma has confirmed her commitment to play for Nigeria,” Malawi’s FA said in a gracious statement.

FAM has confirmed that U.S.-based footballer Chioma Okafor has committed her international future to Nigeria.

Born in Malawi to a Nigerian father and a Malawian mother, Okafor had been considered a potential future Scorchers star. #442Malawi pic.twitter.com/qgEr50RcDD

— #442Malawi (@442_Malawi) June 19, 2025

For Nigeria, it’s a timely acquisition. The Super Falcons — nine-time African champions — are aiming to reclaim their crown, and Okafor could offer a breath of fresh air up front.

Nigeria already boast the attacking talents of the legendary Asisat Oshoala, Ifeoma Onumonu, and Rinsola Babajide, but Okafor will be the team's secret weapon against African foes.

She's expected to join the team’s Lisbon training camp ahead of friendlies against Portugal and Ghana, a crucial tune-up before WAFCON kicks off.

For Okafor, this is more than just a debut. It’s a full-circle moment. From backyard football in Malawi to top-tier college soccer in the US — and now, a potential debut on Africa’s grandest stage — Chioma Okafor is ready to write a new chapter, wearing the green of Nigeria with pride.