Super Falcons striker Chioma Okafor has revealed that her decision to represent Nigeria over Malawi was entirely hers and not influenced by her parents. According to her, playing for Nigeria offers greater competitiveness and international exposure.
Okafor’s selection for Nigeria’s squad at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations came as a surprise, especially after she only recently confirmed her allegiance to Nigeria over Malawi, a choice that has sparked online backlash in the southeastern African nation.
Speaking to sports journalist Ademola Victor in Morocco, the University of Connecticut striker, who is yet to make her debut at the tournament, said she considered her future carefully before making the decision.
“It wasn’t an easy decision,” Okafor said. “I took a lot of time. Honestly, a couple of years thinking about it, and I just felt it was time for me to not make the easy decision that I always tend to make, and I knew that with what I wanted to do with my career.”
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She added that the kind of experience she needs to grow professionally is something she can only get with Nigeria.
“I needed exposure, I needed to play against players that are far better than myself and that’s not to say Malawian players are not better than me, I just wanted to be in an environment that is competitive and that looked more appealing on the Nigerian side, giving that they attend way more international competitions, World Cup, the Olympics.
“With time, Malawi’s going to get there, but again, time is always clicking and I can’t just keep on waiting, and I had to take the opportunity that I was given and I got it to begin with.”
Okafor also appreciated her parents for giving her the space to make such a major life decision without interference.
“My dad is Nigerian and my mum is Malawian, non of my parents influenced my choice. It was all down to me, and I’m so thankful that my parents understood how heavy a decision that was, but they left that all to me. It’s kind of sad how people on social media are bashing them, insinuating that one of them decided for me, but no, it was all my decision, and I take full responsibility for the decision that I made.”
Now in her final year at the University of Connecticut, with graduation set for December, Okafor says going professional is her next step — although she has yet to decide whether to start in the U.S. or move to Europe.
“Definitely, I want to play professionally. I haven’t made the decision yet if I want to play in the United States first or go to Europe, but as time goes by and more offers start to come in and things look more appealing, that’s when I want to make that decision.
“At the moment, I’m just focused on my studies and finishing my final year at UCONN (University of Connecticut).”
As the Super Falcons prepare to face Morocco in Saturday’s WAFCON final, Okafor says lifting the trophy would be a deeply humbling experience, whether or not she plays.
“Winning the WAFCON with Nigeria will be so humbling for me just to be able to be in this group of legends in African football and international football as well and just to be able to be a part of this environment and lift the cup with them is something I will never forget and cherish eternally, even if I don’t play, I’m just glad for the opportunity I’m given and if I do get to play, I will make the most out of it and just be there for my teammates.”
Despite being a newcomer to the squad, Okafor said her teammates have welcomed her warmly.
“They are amazing, since the first day I stepped in camp, they’ve been so welcoming, it’s so much like I have 23 older sisters here, they’re always taking care of me, watching out for me, I couldn’t thank them enough for welcoming me.”
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