Nigerian striker Chioma Okafor has been ruled out of the remainder of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco after sustaining a hand injury, according to reports from Media Talk Africa. The 20-year-old, who was a late addition to the Super Falcons squad, will require a minimum recovery period of 12 days—effectively ending her debut campaign at the continental tournament before taking the field.
Okafor, a University of Connecticut forward with dual heritage through her Nigerian father and Malawian mother, had only recently committed to representing Nigeria on the eve of the competition. Her inclusion raised eyebrows among observers, as she had no previous senior appearances for the nine-time African champions. The injury adds an unexpected setback for Head Coach Randy Waldrum’s squad, which faces Zambia’s Copper Queens in a critical group-stage match on Friday.
While no official statement has been released regarding the nature of the injury or the timeline for her return, the WAFCON’s compact schedule leaves no room for Okafor to regain fitness during the tournament. Her absence narrows Nigeria’s attacking options as they seek to extend their record as Africa’s most successful women’s national team.
The rookie’s journey to the Super Falcons had already been a focal point of interest. Born in the United States, Okafor’s decision to represent Nigeria over Malawi—where her mother hails from—highlighted the growing trend of diaspora talent opting for African nations in international football. Her collegiate career in the U.S., marked by athleticism and scoring ability, had positioned her as a potential wildcard asset for the Falcons.
Nigeria enters Friday’s match against Zambia with heightened urgency after securing a narrow 1-0 victory over Burundi in their opener. The team will need to compensate for Okafor’s absence with established stars like Asisat Oshoala and Rasheedat Ajibade, though the injury underscores the challenges of integrating untested players into high-stakes tournaments.
As the Super Falcons pursue a 10th continental title, Okafor’s sidelining serves as a reminder of the physical demands of international competition—and the precarious balance coaches face when blending new talent with seasoned campaigns.
