North Carolina Courage have strengthened their attacking line with the signing of Nigerian national team forward Chioma Okafor, who joins the club on a guaranteed three-year contract through the 2028 NWSL season, with an option for 2029.
Okafor, a 2024 WAFCON gold medalist, arrives in North Carolina after a standout collegiate career at the University of Connecticut, where she netted 30 goals and provided five assists in 57 games.
“I am excited to call North Carolina home and sign with the Courage,” Okafor said.
“From the early conversations with the team, I fell in love with the developmental plan they laid out for me and the drive to build back this club’s championship roots. I can’t wait to get to work in 2026”.
Courage Chief Soccer Officer Ceri Bowley praised the 22-year-old forward’s qualities, describing her as a “dynamic, fearless attacker who brings pace, power, and a willingness to take on defenders,” attributes the club has been eager to add to their frontline.
“Beyond her on-field qualities, Chioma brings a competitive edge and a growth mindset that fits the culture we’re building. She works, she listens, and she’s hungry to develop,” Bowley said.
Born in Blantyre, Malawi, Okafor was eligible to represent both Malawi and Nigeria but chose the Super Falcons through her father’s lineage.
She moved to the United States in 2019, attending Berkshire School in Massachusetts before starring for the UConn Huskies.
Her college career earned her several accolades, including First Team All-Big East honours for three consecutive seasons, 2024 MAC Hermann Trophy Semifinalist and three-time All-American recognition.
Okafor is expected to join the Courage ahead of the 2026 preseason.
Okafor is a 2024 WAFCON champion with the Nigeria, who scored 30 goals in 57 matches for the University of Connecticut, earned three All-American honours, was a three-time First Team All-Big East selection after receiving Second Team honours as a fresh woman.
She became a 2024 MAC Hermann Trophy Semifinalist and a 2025 preseason watch-list nominee, and was also a finalist for the Big East Offensive Player of the Year while leading UConn in scoring for three straight seasons.
She played at Wafcon which helped her earn $100,000 in appearance fee offered by Nigeria Football Federation.
