Malawian-Born Footballer ‘Chioma Okafor’ Chooses to Represent Nigeria Internationally

The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has officially confirmed that USA-based women’s football prospect Chioma Okafor has decided to commit her international football career to Nigeria, following discussions held with her parents on June 18, 2025.

Chioma, who was born in Malawi to a Nigerian father, Ferdinand Okafor, and a Malawian mother, Patricia Okafor from Ntcheu, has never represented Malawi at any national team level. She is currently a striker at the University of Connecticut in the USA and previously featured for Lilongwe-based Ascent Soccer Academy and the Berkshire School in Massachusetts.

In a significant development, Okafor has now been invited by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to join the Super Falcons’ training camp. According to an invitation signed by team secretary Oboduku Mary, she is expected to report on June 20, with the training camp set to run from June 22 to 25 in Portugal.

The Super Falcons are intensifying their preparations for the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), scheduled to take place in Morocco from July 5 to 26. Nigeria is drawn in Group B alongside Tunisia, Algeria, and Botswana.

Chioma was initially called up by FAM earlier this year for the Scorchers’ international friendlies against Zambia in February, but was unavailable due to academic commitments. Her decision to represent Nigeria was later communicated to FAM via official correspondence from the NFF.

FAM’s statement reads in part: “We engaged the player and her parents, and they have confirmed her intention and commitment to represent Nigeria.”

Okafor’s decision is a notable blow to Malawi’s Scorchers, who continue to seek top talent both domestically and internationally. However, FAM has expressed its respect for the player’s decision and wishes her success at the highest level of international football.