Football
Exclusive: Chiamaka Okwuchukwu: Rising Star, Trailblazer, and CAF’s Best Young Player Nominee 2024
At just a teenager, Chiamaka Okwuchukwu is making waves in African football, nominated for CAF Young Female Player of the Year. In an exclusive interview, she discusses her ambitions, growth of Nigerian women's football, and inspiring the next generation of female players. Her determination, hard work, and faith make her a role model for aspiring footballers in Nigeria.
FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images.
Still a teenager, Chiamaka Okwuchukwu is making waves in African football. A standout striker and player for Rivers Angels and Nigeria's U-20 team, her nomination for the CAF Young Female Player of the Year 2024 cements her status as a rising star.
In an exclusive chat with SportsBoom.com, Chiamaka opened up about her journey, ambitions, and how she plans to inspire the next generation of female footballers.
A Symbol of Growth for Nigerian Women’s Football
For Chiamaka, her nomination is more than a personal achievement; it reflects the growing opportunities for women’s football in Nigeria.
"My success has only proven that we have talented players in Nigeria. Women’s football in Nigeria is growing, and the FIFA U-17 and U-20 World Cups are tournaments where our young players are exposed," she said.
Recognising the strides made for grassroots football, Chiamaka applauded CAF’s initiatives. "I want to use this opportunity to thank CAF for bringing up a tournament for the U-17 girls. It's also an opportunity for our young players in Nigeria to be seen."
Eyes on the Prize: Dreams of Continental and Global Glory
Despite her young age, Chiamaka’s ambitions are sky-high. Speaking on her personal goals, she shared her determination to become the best.
"My personal goal is to remain focused and keep improving my game both in my club and national team. Also, I want to one day be named the best African footballer of the year, and also in the world," she stated boldly.
What Sets Her Apart From the Competition
Being nominated among the top five young players in Africa is no small feat. When asked what makes her stand out, Chiamaka credited her hard work and resilience.
"I believe every one of us who got to the top five of this nomination deserves to be there and are already winners. My hard work and determination on the pitch got me here," she said.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Nigerian Stars
Chiamaka’s vision goes beyond personal accolades. She sees her nomination as a platform to inspire aspiring female footballers in Nigeria.
"If I win the award, it will send a huge message to the young grassroots footballers in Nigeria that they can also get to the top if they keep working hard," she said.
Already a role model, Chiamaka had a heartfelt message for young players dreaming of similar recognition: "My message to the young players and the next generation is to always put God first in all they do and always believe in themselves that they can make it in life.
"The road to success is always rough, but they should remain focused and disciplined. It's only hard work and self-determination that can take them to the top."
The Future is Bright
With her incredible talent, unwavering faith, and commitment to growth, Chiamaka Okwuchukwu represents the bright future of African football.
Whether she wins the prestigious CAF award or not, her journey already inspires countless young players across the continent, proving that dreams are achievable with hard work, determination, and a focus on God.
Gbemidepo Popoola, is a freelance Sport Journalist with multiple years of experience in Writing, Reportage and Broadcasting. Gbemidepo's major concentration is telling the local Nigerian Sporting stories, in its own Unique way. This is because he believes, "no one, can tell our story better than ourselves".