By Prosper Mene
Nigerian international Chidinma Okeke played a pivotal role in Club América’s gritty 1-0 victory over Flamengo, clinching third place and a $700,000 prize at the prestigious World Sevens Football (W7F) Tournament in Fort Lauderdale.
In a tense third-place showdown on December 7 at Beyond Bancard Field, América’s defender Okeke anchored a rock-solid backline that frustrated the Brazilian giants throughout the 30-minute encounter. The decisive moment arrived in the 22nd minute when midfielder Jana Gutiérrez unleashed a stunning volley, lifting the ball over advancing goalkeeper Flávia Mota before smashing it into the net, a strike already hailed as a contender for goal of the tournament.
The match was a cagey affair from the outset. Scarlett Camberos nearly opened the scoring early for América, while Flamengo’s Gláucia rattled the crossbar. Goalkeeper Vivi Holzel produced a fine save to deny Montserrat Saldivar as the first half ended goalless. Post-break, América hit the post through substitute Nancy Antonio, and Flamengo’s desperate late surge, including switching an outfield player into goal, yielded nothing as Sandra Paños and her defense, led by Okeke and captain Irene Guerrero, held firm.
Club América’s starting VII: Sandra Paños (GK), Chidinma Okeke (#4), Irene Guerrero (C), Scarlett Camberos, Sarah Luebbert, Jana Gutiérrez, with key subs including Antonio and Saldivar.
The bronze medal capped a strong showing for the Mexican Liga MX Femenil side, who finished with a 3-2 record across five matches. They had stormed through the group stage with convincing wins over Club Nacional (5-2) and Deportivo Cali (3-0), before drawing San Diego Wave FC on penalties. However, a heartbreaking 2-1 extra-time semifinal loss to rivals Tigres, thanks to Stephany Mayor’s brace, sent them to the podium playoff.
Meanwhile, NWSL outfit San Diego Wave FC claimed the $2 million top prize with a flawless 5-0 run, including a 3-0 final triumph over Tigres, while the Mexicans pocketed $1 million for silver. The $5 million prize pool underscored the event’s growing stature in women’s football.
For the 25-year-old Okeke, born August 11, 2000, in Nigeria, the podium finish marks another milestone in a jet-setting career. The centre-back rose through FC Robo Queens before stints at Madrid CFF (Spain), Hapoel Beer Sheva, and MyNavi Sendai (Japan). She joined Club América ahead of their 2025 Liga MX campaign and boasts senior Super Falcons caps, including the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup and Paris 2024 Olympics, though she has been absent from recent national team call-ups.
This Fort Lauderdale edition, the second in the W7F series after Portugal’s inaugural in May-featured elite clubs from North, Central, and South America in a fast-paced 7v7 format designed to thrill fans with non-stop action. Backed by major investment, the tournament is poised for global expansion.
Okeke’s contribution highlights Africa’s rising influence in women’s club football, blending defensive steel with international pedigree on the world stage.















