- Super Falcons newbie Chioma Okafor scored the winning header for UConn women's soccer in a 1-0 BIG EAST win over DePaul, securing a spot in the BIG EAST Championship.
- The young forward who opted to represent Nigeria internationally, having previously been associated with Malawi, was part of Nigeria's 2024 WAFCON triumph.
Super Falcons forward Chioma Okafor, made the headlines for the University of Connecticut (UConn) women's soccer team, scoring the solitary goal in a 1-0 victory over DePaul Blue Demons on Wednesday, securing the Huskies' place in the four-team BIG EAST Championship.
The striker's eighth goal of the season, a header from a Maree-Anne Van Doesburg corner, was enough to see off DePaul at Wish Field on a windy afternoon.
The win marked UConn's 10th shutout of the season, with goalkeeper Ava Yamas registering two saves en route to her ninth clean sheet this year.
The Connecticut Huskies, now 10-3-3 overall and 6-1-2 in BIG EAST play, have clinched a third consecutive season with 10 wins, a feat last achieved from 2014-2016.
The Huskies conclude their regular season campaign on Saturday, October 25, against Seton Hall.
The 22-year-old forward boasts an impressive record with UConn, earning United Coaches Third Team All-American honours and leading the BIG EAST with 13 goals in 2024.
Breakthrough on eighth corner of the match!
— UConn Women's Soccer (@UConnWSOC) October 22, 2025
Maree-Anne with a dime and Chi powers it home! pic.twitter.com/EWBxg5OfQh
Born in Blantyre, Malawi, Okafor opted to represent Nigeria in June, with the country's Football Association confirming her decision following consultations with her parents.
Interestingly, Malawi's women's national team coach Lovemore Fazili had invited Okafor to join the Scorchers' training camp ahead of a friendly against Zambia earlier this year, but she did not honour the call-up.
Her decision to represent Nigeria led to her inclusion in the Super Falcons squad that triumphantly clinched the delayed 2024 WAFCON trophy in July.
Nigeria came from behind to defeat hosts Morocco 3-2 in the final, though Okafor remained an unused substitute throughout the tournament due to a reported nagging hand injury.
Consequently, she missed selection for Nigeria's subsequent double-legged qualifiers against Benin Republic.
Photo credit: uconnhuskies.com
Ejim Kaycee
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