By Durell Namasani
USA-based Malawian born women’s football player Chioma Okafor has opted to play for Nigeria national women football team declining persistent calls to play for Malawi national women national football team, the Scorchers.
Football Association of Malawi (FAM) made the revelation on Thursday evening following a discussions with the players’ parents.
Born in Malawi to a Nigerian father and a Malawian mother, Patricia Okafor (nee Jiya), Chioma has yet to play for a Malawian national team at any level.
According to FAM website, Chioma was called up for the Scorchers’ international friendlies against Zambia in February this year, but she was unavailable for selection at the time due to academic commitments.
“Subsequently, FAM received official communication from the Nigerian Football Federation indicating Okafor’s commitment to play for the West African nation.
FAM engaged the parents and the player, who have confirmed her intention and commitment to represent Nigeria,” reads the statement on FAM website.
The 21-year-old left Malawi in 2019 to play football at the University of Connecticut where she has also been studying.
Before leaving Malawi, Okafor played for Lilongwe-based Ascent Soccer Academy and later joined Berkshire School in Massachusetts, USA.
