Chioma Okafor has revealed why she chose to represent Nigeria rather than Malawi, citing ambition and opportunity as key factors.
Chioma Okafor stated this ahead of the Super Falcons’ 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final against the hosts, Morocco. It is scheduled to kick off at 9 p.m. later tonight, July 26.
Okafor is born to a Nigerian father and a Malawian mother. While currently representing the Super Falcons at the ongoing 2024 WAFCON, she admitted that choosing between the two countries wasn’t easy.
“It wasn’t an easy decision,” she said in an interview with Ademola Victor TV. “I needed to play with players who are better than I am. With time Malawi will get there, but time is always ticking. I can’t just keep on waiting, I had to take the opportunity.”
If Chioma Okafor features for even a second in tonight’s final at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat, she will be officially capped for Nigeria, a moment that would solidify her international career.
While awaiting her official debut for the Super Falcons, Okafor praised the team spirit and camaraderie she has experienced so far.
Note that Chioma Okafor currently plays for the University of Connecticut in the USA.
“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,” she said.
Madugu Explains Babajide’s Bench Role
Meanwhile, head coach Justin Madugu addressed the notable absence of forward Rinsola Babajide in recent matches, defending the decision to keep the ex-Liverpool star on the bench despite her standout performance in the group stage.
Babajide scored and assisted in Nigeria’s 3-0 win over Tunisia but has barely featured since, managing just 13 minutes in the quarterfinal against Algeria.
“It’s a team thing, not about an individual; it’s about the team,” Madugu said. “The fact that she has not been on the field of play does not mean she has not been playing well.”
“She has been instrumental in motivating the players, trying to get them to understand what is at stake. She has been fully supportive of everything that we do, and we are making our choices based on what we see and intend to do. She could have a role to play tomorrow.”
Madugu has so far leaned on the trio of Folashade Ijamilusi, Chinwendu Ihezuo, and Esther Okoronkwo in the attack, a tactical approach that has brought the Super Falcons to the brink of reclaiming the WAFCON crown.
Ayinde: “We Want Our Title Back”
Midfielder Halimat Ayinde, who plies her trade with Rosenberg in Sweden, echoed the team’s collective hunger to reclaim the title they lost in the 2022 edition.
The Falcons crashed out of the last tournament after a heartbreaking 5-4 penalty shootout loss to Morocco in the semi-final, paving the way for South Africa to claim their first-ever title.
“This final is not going to be different. We are going to stick together as a team and fight for each other,” said the 31-year-old.
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