San Diego Wave FC Welcomes Nigerian Striker Chiamaka Okwuchukwu.
San Diego Wave FC has bolstered their attacking line with the signing of 19-year-old Nigerian striker Chiamaka Okwuchukwu from Rivers Angels FC of the Nigerian Women’s Premier League, the club announced on Monday.
Chiamaka has inked a one-year deal for the upcoming 2025 season, marking another strategic addition to the Wave’s squad.
“We are very pleased to welcome Chiamaka to the Wave family,” stated Camille Ashton, Sporting Director and General Manager of San Diego Wave FC. “Her signing is the latest example of our intention to add promising young players to the roster. With her skillset, we believe Chiamaka will complement our current attacking players very well and be a key contributor to the team.”
Okwuchukwu, who was crowned the Confederation of African Football Young Women’s Player of the Year, made an impression on the international stage by scoring two goals and providing an assist at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia last year. She also debuted for the Nigerian senior national team in 2022 at the tender age of 16, playing a pivotal role in an undefeated group stage run.
This acquisition is part of a broader overhaul for San Diego Wave FC, following a disappointing playoff miss in 2024. The club has seen significant changes, including the appointment of a new coach and general manager. The team has also welcomed other international talents like French striker Delphine Cascarino and defender Perle Morroni during last summer’s Olympic break.
Joining Chiamaka on the roster are other international stars such as Maria Sanchez, an Idaho native playing for Mexico, alongside Canadian internationals Kailen Sheridan and Mya Jones, Sweden’s Hanna Lundkvist, and Australia’s Kaitlin Torpey.
Chiamaka Okwuchukwu’s arrival adds to the growing presence of Nigerian players in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), where she joins veteran compatriot Asisat Oshoala.
This move not only highlights San Diego Wave FC’s commitment to nurturing young international talent but also signals their ambition to reclaim a spot in the playoffs for the 2025 season.
