By Esther Ososanya
20-year-old Super Falcons forward Chioma Okafor has been ruled out of the rest of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) tournament in Morocco after sustaining a hand injury that will sideline her for at least 12 days.
The injury meant Okafor missed Nigeria’s quarter-final clash against Zambia’s Copper Queens and any remaining fixtures in the tournament.
From Surprise Call-Up to Sudden Exit
A dual national with a Nigerian father and Malawian mother, Okafor was a surprise inclusion in Nigeria’s final WAFCON squad. Just days before the tournament kicked off, the University of Connecticut striker committed her international future to the Super Falcons.
Her selection was seen as a forward-looking decision by head coach Randy Waldrum, part of a broader effort to inject fresh talent into a veteran squad. Yet, fate had other plans.
Blow to Falcons’ Bench Depth
Though Okafor was yet to make an appearance at WAFCON 2024, her injury reduces Nigeria’s attacking depth as the team enters the knockout stages.
Coach Waldrum will now have to rely more heavily on senior forwards like Asisat Oshoala, Uchenna Kanu, and Gift Monday as Nigeria chases a 12th continental title.
What This Means for Nigeria
The Super Falcons are set to face Zambia in today’s much-anticipated quarter-final. While Okafor wasn’t part of the starting XI, her absence is still a blow, especially considering the need for fresh legs in later stages.
The injury also raises concerns over player rotation and development, with Nigeria aiming to blend experience with emerging talent ahead of next year’s Olympics.
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At a Glance:
- Player: Chioma Okafor
- Age: 20
- Club: University of Connecticut, USA
- Injury: Hand fracture (out for 12 days minimum)
- Status: Ruled out of WAFCON 2024
- Caps: Yet to debut for Super Falcons
- Nationality: Nigerian father, Malawian mother
- Declared for Nigeria: Just before WAFCON kickoff
What’s Next?
Chioma Okafor will remain with the squad in Morocco, but her focus now shifts to recovery and club return. Meanwhile, the Super Falcons will battle Zambia tonight with a place in the semi-final on the line and now, one rising star short.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
