Chioma Okafor gives reason for picking Nigeria over Malawi

Nigerian women’s national team forward Chioma Okafor has shed light on the reason that led her to commit her international future to the Super Falcons, despite also being eligible for Malawi.

Okafor cited her ambition to compete at the highest level of international football. The forward made this known in an interview with Ademola Victor TV, where she admitted that it was a tough decision to make, but one which was done for her personal development.

“It wasn’t an easy decision. I needed to play with players that are better than myself. With time Malawi will get there but time is always ticking. I can’t just keep on waiting, I had to take the opportunity.”

Okafor also thanked the Super Falcons for welcoming her warmly into the team.

“Since the first day I stepped into camp, they have been so welcoming. All the girls, so much like I have 23 other sisters here, are always taking and looking out for me. I thank them so much for welcoming me.”

The 23-year-old will be cap-tied to Nigeria if she plays even for a single second in the final of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations against Morocco on Saturday. After being ruled out for the remainder of the WAFCON tournament earlier in the competition due to injury, Okafor will be available for the fina.

Okafor, born to a Nigerian father and a Malawian mother, found herself at a crucial crossroads in her promising career. While Malawi’s national team, the ‘Scorchers,’ had also shown interest, Okafor ultimately opted for the Super Falcons, a powerhouse in African women’s football with a long history of participating in major global tournaments.