WAFCON 2025: Malawian mum reveals why Chioma turned down Malawi for Nigeria

Femi Fabunmi 

USA-based footballer Chioma Okafor has made headlines after officially choosing to represent Nigeria’s Super Falcons instead of Malawi’s Scorchers, despite her Malawian roots.

The 21-year-old, who plays for the University of Connecticut, was recently named in Nigeria’s final 24-woman squad for the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), set to begin on July 5 in Morocco.

Born to a Nigerian father and a Malawian mother, Chioma had been eligible to represent either country.

PM News scooped pieces of  information from her mother, Patricia Jiya Okafor, explained via her Facebook page where she explained her daughter’s decision to pitch her tent with Super Falcons of Nigeria rather than her country of birth Malawi.

“It Was Her Choice, Not Mine”

“It wasn’t me who made the decision,” Patricia stated firmly. “Nigeria reached out officially. I advised Chioma to make her own choice so she wouldn’t regret it later. Ultimately, she chose Nigeria.”

Initial Interest from Malawi

In 2023, Chioma showed interest in Malawi after visiting the country and training with local teams, including a stint with Bullets Women at the Sports Complex in Blantyre. However, doubts about her Malawian identity surfaced online due to her Nigerian surname. “People questioned if she was Malawian, so I encouraged her to make a video and explain that she was born in Malawi,” her mother explained.

Missed Opportunity with FAM

Patricia revealed that although the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) showed interest, it lacked the urgency displayed by their Nigerian counterparts. “In February, a coach from Malawi reached out, but Chioma couldn’t travel due to her club commitments,” she said. “Nigeria, however, were very proactive. They sent an official letter, asked about her eligibility, and facilitated her passport process. She got her Nigerian passport in Atlanta last month.”

A Mother’s Support

Despite being Malawian herself, Patricia said she fully supported her daughter’s decision. “Her dad wasn’t even around when the choice was made. Chioma asked me if I’d be disappointed, and I told her to go with what would make her happy. I’ve celebrated her as a Malawian, but this was her path to choose.”

What Lies Ahead

Chioma is set to make her international debut for Nigeria at the upcoming WAFCON. A letter from the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), dated June 13, 2025, was sent to the University of Connecticut, confirming her selection for the team’s pre-tournament training camp in Portugal.

From the streets of Blantyre to the global stage, Chioma’s journey now continues in green and white as she prepares to wear the Nigerian jersey with pride in Morocco.

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