Nigeria’s Chiamaka Okwuchukwu makes ESPN 21 best women’s players age 21

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Nigeria forward Chiamaka Okwuchukwu has been named by American news outlet ESPN 21 as the best women’s player in the world at age 21.

The San Diego Wave player was ranked 17th on the list after completing her switch from Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership side, Rivers Angels.

Missing out of the CAF Women’s Young Player of the Year award in 2024, she rose from age grade ranks in the national team.

Impressive for Rivers Angels, her talent caught the eye of national U-20 coach, Bankole Olowookere for the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.

21 players on the list are expected to rise to big things on the world stage in the coming years.

She was the only African player that made the list of 21 young women’s football prospects.

Nigeria-eligible youngster Vicky Lopez topped the list, while another player of African descent and Spanish forward, Salma Paralluelo, made the top 10 ratings.

Melchie Dumonay (Haiti), Linda Caicedo (Colombia), Maika Hamano (Japan), Jaedyn Shaw (USA), Tarciane (Brazil), Ally Sentnor (USA), Wieke Kaptein (the Netherlands), and Lily Johannes (USA) are in the top 10.

Other players on the list are Agnes Beever-Jones (England), Nina Matejic (Serbia), Giulia Dragoni (Italy), Grace Clinton (England), Momoko Tanikawa (Japan), Aline Gomez (Brazil), Alara Sehitler (Germany), Alice Soto (Mexico), Kishi Nunez (Argentina), and Daniela Garlic (Australia).