US-based Malawi women’s football star Chioma Okafor has opted to take up Nigerian nationality to play for their national team.
Chioma, who was born in Malawi to a Nigerian father and Malawian mother has been phenomenal in the US, which made Football Association of Malawi (FAM) to track her.
But in a statement, FAM said the player had opted to play for father’s nation following discussions with their Nigerian counterparts and her parents.
Reads the statement: “The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) would like to inform the public that following discussions held with her parents on 18 June 2025, US-based women’s football Scorchers international prospect Chioma Okafor has decided to commit her international football career to Nigeria.
“The University of Connecticut striker based in the US was initially called up for the Scorchers’ international friendlies against Zambia in February. However, she was unvailable for selection at the time due to academic commitments.
“Subsequently, FAM received official communication from the Nigeria Football Federation indicating Okafor’s commitment to play for the West African nation.”
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Super Falcons have called up the player for the training camp in Portugal ahead of Women’s Africa Cup of Nations scheduled for 5 July to July 25 in Morocco.
Reads a statement in part to University of Connecticut: “We are delighted to inform you about the selection of your player Okafor Chioma in respect of the upcoming 2025 Women’s African competitions tournament and a training camp in Portugal in preparation for WAFCON in Morocco. The player is expected to arrive on June 20.”
