Malawi Coach Regrets Losing WAFCON Winner Okafor To Nigeria

Malawi Coach Regrets Losing WAFCON Winner Okafor To Nigeria

Sampson Adedeji

Malawi women’s national team coach, Lovemore Fazili, has broken his silence on striker Chioma Okafor’s decision to turn down the Scorchers in favour of representing Nigeria’s Super Falcons, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Speaking to the local press on Monday, Fazili was asked why his latest 27-player squad for upcoming friendlies against Lesotho, comprising entirely of home-based players, did not include foreign-based stars.

The question sparked comparisons with Okafor, who opted for Nigeria after being courted by Malawi.

Fazili explained that efforts had been made to secure the U.S.-based striker, but academic commitments made it difficult.

 “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 countries.

The Nigerian Football Federation, however, successfully persuaded her to commit to the Super Falcons.

Though she did not feature during the tournament, Okafor was part of the Nigeria squad that lifted the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Recently, she explained that her decision was based on long-term prospects and opportunities with the Super Falcons.