San Diego Wave FC has made a bold statement in the transfer market by securing 19-year-old Nigerian sensation Chiamaka Okwuchukwu from Rivers Angels FC.
The promising forward has signed a one-year contract that will keep her at the NWSL club through 2025, footballrover reports.
This move signals a growing Nigerian influence in the league, joining established stars Asisat Oshoala and Deborah Abiodun.
Chiamaka Okwuchukwu’s rapid rise to the NWSL
Okwuchukwu’s transfer comes after a standout performance at the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia, where she featured in all four matches for Nigeria, scoring twice and assisting once.
Her consistent displays earned her recognition as a finalist for the CAF Young Women’s Player of the Year award.
Her journey to stardom began at just 16 when she represented Nigeria in the 2022 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Costa Rica.
She played a vital role in helping the Falconets finish the group stage unbeaten and reach the quarterfinals.
Now, her move to the NWSL marks a significant step forward in her blossoming career.
Okwuchukwu will join San Diego Wave’s 2025 roster once she completes her medical examination and secures her International Transfer Certificate (ITC) and P1 Visa.
She will fill an international slot for the club.
Nigerian stars taking over the NWSL
With this transfer, Chiamaka Okwuchukwu joins an elite group of Nigerian players excelling in the National Women’s Soccer League.
Asisat Oshoala, currently starring for Bay FC, has already made a strong impact in the league, while Deborah Abiodun recently signed with Washington Spirit, calling the move a “special dream come true.”
Okwuchukwu’s arrival is expected to bring fresh energy and attacking power to the team as they push for success in the upcoming season.
“We are very pleased to welcome Chiamaka to the Wave family. Her signing is the latest example of our intention to add promising young players to the roster. With her skill set, we believe Chiamaka will complement our current attacking players very well and be a key contributor to the team,” the club’s sporting director and general manager, Camille Ashton, said.
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