Nigeria’s Chioma Okafor ruled out of remaining 2024 WAFCON campaign

Nigeria senior women’s national team debutant, Chioma Okafor, will be unavailable for at least 12 days of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) due to her nagging hand injury.

This was confirmed by the Super Falcons head coach Justine Madugu during the pre match press conference on Thursday. Okafor has yet to feature at the WAFCON and will not participate as her injury timeframe unfortunately extends beyond the conclusion of the ongoing tournament in Morocco.

The 20-year-old whose inclusion in the final squad was one of the biggest surprises and talking points heading into the WAFCON, opted for Nigeria even though she is also eligible to play for Malawi through her mother and she was also born there.

She has shone in college football in the USA and was a major surprise inclusion on the Super Falcons final squad to Morocco.

Coach Madugu expressed disappointment at losing Okafor, stating that her presence on the pitch would be missed as he wished the forward full recovery.

“It’s a tough blow for Chioma and for the team. She’s a very talented player who has worked incredibly hard to get here. We were all looking forward to seeing her contribute, but unfortunately, this injury means she will not feature at this WAFCON. We wish her a swift and full recovery.”

The exact nature and mechanism of the hand injury have not been fully disclosed, but the 12-day recovery period suggests a significant issue that requires complete rest and rehabilitation.

Super Falcons medical staff will be working closely with Okafor to ensure her prompt return to fitness, with an eye towards future international engagements.

The 2024 WAFCON, which was postponed and is being played in 2025, started on July 5, 2025, and will conclude with the final on July 26, 2025. Leaving it with only 8 days left of the tournament if the Super Falcons of Nigeria reach the finals of the continental tournament.