19-Year-Old Nigerian Star Chiamaka Okwuchukwu Joins San Diego Wave in Style
Super Falcons forward Chiamaka Okwuchukwu has signed for San Diego Wave FC, a team in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) in the United States. The 19-year-old, who was a finalist for the CAF Young Women’s Player of the Year, was unveiled with flowers in a warm welcome ceremony in America.
Okwuchukwu leaves Rivers Angels FC, a top team in the Nigerian Women’s Premier League, to join San Diego Wave for an undisclosed fee. After completing her medical, obtaining a P1 Visa, and securing her International Transfer Certificate (ITC), she will officially join the Wave’s roster for the 2025 season.
The talented striker has signed a one-year contract with the club. Speaking about the new addition, San Diego Wave Sporting Director and General Manager Camille Ashton expressed excitement.
“We are very pleased to welcome Chiamaka to the Wave family,” Ashton said. “Her signing is part of our strategy to bring in young, promising players. With her skills, we believe she will complement our current attacking players and become a key contributor to the team.”
Okwuchukwu’s signing comes after an impressive run with Nigeria’s U-20 Women’s National Team at the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia, where she scored two goals and provided an assist in four matches. She also represented Nigeria in the 2022 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Costa Rica, helping the team reach the quarterfinals.
The move to San Diego Wave marks another step forward for Okwuchukwu’s career and follows the recent transfer of fellow Super Falcons star Deborah Abiodun to Washington Spirit.
Okwuchukwu is expected to play a significant role for the Wave as the team gears up for the new season.
