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Malawi coach regrets losing WAFCON winner Chioma Okafor to Nigeria
By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde
Malawi women’s national team coach Lovemore Fazili has expressed regret over striker Chioma Okafor’s decision to pledge her international future to Nigeria’s senior women’s national team instead of the Scorchers.
Speaking to local media on Monday after naming a 27-player home-based squad for upcoming friendlies against Lesotho, Fazili was asked about the absence of foreign-based players.
The discussion drew comparisons with Okafor, who had been approached by Malawi but eventually chose Nigeria.
“We had been inviting her, and I even have emails as proof, though I cannot share them publicly,” Fazili revealed.
“The challenge is that most of these players are in the United States for studies, and when called up, they often cite exams or other academic schedules. As a coach, there is little you can do but wait until they are available. It’s different from players like Temwa [Chawinga], who went to the U.S. specifically for football.”
Okafor, 23, was born to a Malawian mother and Nigerian father, making her eligible for both nations.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) eventually convinced her to represent the Super Falcons, with whom she was part of the squad that lifted the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Although she did not feature during the tournament, Okafor later explained that her choice was influenced by long-term opportunities with Nigeria’s senior team.
