USA-based women’s football gem Chioma Okafor’s mother, Patricia, has said her daughter’s decision to opt for Nigeria National Women’s Football team other than the Scorchers was a tough one.
Football Assocition of Malawi (FAM) on Thursday evening announced through a statement that following discussions with her parents this week, the 21-year-old, who has a Nigerian father and Malawian mother, has decided to play for the Super Falcons.
For the past two years, Chioma who plays for University of Connecticut, had been ruminating on whether to represent Malawi or Nigeria.
In an interview yesterday, Patricia said her daughter found herself in a dilemma.
She said: “It wasn’t an easy decision for her, it was tough.
Chioma. | Courtesy of Chaoma
“As her parents, we left it to her to decide depending on what would be good for her career.
“Neither I nor her father influenced her decision, it was entirely her own after giving it a huge amount of thought and that is why it has taken her a while.”
Chioma’s decision to settle for Nigeria follows her recent call up by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) into the Super Falcons’ squad in preparation for the upcoming 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon).
A letter from NFF dated June 13 2025, addressed to the president of University of Connecticut, reads: “We are delighted to inform you about the selection of your player, Chioma Okafor, in respect of the upcoming 2025 Women’s African competitions Tournament and a training camp in Portugal in preparation for Wafcon in Morocco.
“The training camp is scheduled for 21st to 25th June, 2025 in Portugal. The player is expected to arrive in Portugal on June 20, 2025.”
Chioma was initially called up for the Scorchers’ international friendlies against Zambia in February this year, but she was unavailable for selection at the time due to academic commitments.
A statement from FAM says subsequently, they received official communication from the NFF indicating Okafor’s commitment to play for the West African nation.
“FAM engaged the parents and the player, who have confirmed her intention and commitment to represent Nigeria,” reads the statement.
Chioma first hogged the limelight in 2022 when she shone for her college team igniting call for her consideration into the Scorchers from some quarters.
