The mother of rising US-based football star Chioma Okafor has shared the deeply personal story behind her daughter’s decision to represent Nigeria’s Super Falcons, revealing that the 21-year-old chose her father’s homeland over her birth country of Malawi after careful consideration and a show of serious commitment from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
Chioma, a gifted forward who plays for the University of Connecticut in the United States, was eligible to play for both nations. She was born in Malawi to a Malawian mother and a Nigerian father, creating a classic dual-nationality dilemma. Her recent inclusion in Nigeria’s squad for the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) settled the question of her international allegiance, and her mother, Patricia Okafor, has now provided a candid look into the family’s journey.
A Mother’s Support for a Daughter’s Choice
Speaking in a recent interview, Mrs. Okafor made it clear that while she is Malawian and has proudly supported her daughter’s career while draped in the Malawian flag, the final decision was left entirely to Chioma to avoid any future regrets.
“It’s not me, it was her choice. Nigeria wrote a letter, I didn’t have any say, it was her choice,” Mrs. Okafor explained. “I told her to choose so that she would not regret it in the future, so it came from her.”
She revealed that Chioma was concerned about her mother’s reaction, especially given their deep ties to Malawi. “She thought maybe mom will not be happy if she settles for Nigeria since I have been celebrating her [while] carrying the Malawi flag, so I told her to do what pleases her.” This unwavering support gave Chioma the freedom to weigh her options based on her own feelings and career aspirations.
How Nigeria’s “Seriousness” Won the Day
According to Mrs. Okafor, both federations showed interest, but Nigeria’s approach was far more decisive and professional, which ultimately made a significant impression. Malawi had approached Chioma earlier in the year, in February, to gauge her interest in playing for their national team, the Scorchers. However, the timing was not ideal as she was busy with her club commitments in the U.S.
Furthermore, previous discussions about her playing for Malawi had been complicated by doubts within the country about her identity. “Last year, there was a talk… People [Malawians] said she was not a Malawian [by] looking at her name, so I told her to make a video and explain that she was born in Malawi, it’s just the name.” This hesitation and questioning over her surname, “Okafor,” likely made her feel less than fully welcomed.
In stark contrast, Nigeria’s pursuit was proactive and official. “Oh yes, I have a letter from Nigeria in my phone to say they want to have my daughter and they want to know more about her,” Mrs. Okafor shared. The NFF didn’t just express interest; they followed through with concrete actions. “They told her to go to Atlanta, she went there and they made the passport for her, so you can see how serious they are.”
This level of commitment—sending an official letter of invitation, arranging travel, and facilitating a Nigerian passport—demonstrated to Chioma and her family that the Super Falcons genuinely wanted her and had a clear plan for her integration into the team.
A Positive Story for Nigerian Football
Chioma Okafor’s decision comes at a time when the narrative around Nigerian athletes and national allegiance has often been focused on players switching away from the country. Her choice to proudly embrace the green and white jersey, even when another national team option was available, serves as a powerful counter-narrative and a testament to the enduring appeal of playing for one of Africa’s most successful footballing nations.
The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has since confirmed her decision, stating that following discussions with her parents on June 18, Chioma had committed her international career to Nigeria.
What’s Next for Chioma?
The young forward is now set to join the Super Falcons at their training camp in Portugal ahead of the WAFCON, which kicks off in Morocco on July 5. While she was not involved in Nigeria’s recent 0-0 friendly draw against Portugal, she could be in line to make her debut in the final warm-up match against Ghana on Sunday.
She will need to settle in quickly as she prepares to compete for a spot in a talented squad aiming for a record-extending 10th continental title. Nigeria has been drawn in Group B alongside Tunisia, Botswana, and Algeria.
Conclusion
Chioma Okafor’s story is a modern football tale of identity, opportunity, and the complex choices faced by dual-national athletes. Guided by a supportive family and impressed by the professional and committed approach of the NFF, she has chosen the path she believes is right for her future. As she prepares to potentially make her debut for the Super Falcons, her journey stands as a positive and inspiring example of talent choosing to represent Nigeria on the international stage.
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