Chiamaka Okwuchukwu wasted no time making her mark in the NWSL. The 19-year-old Nigerian forward scored just 1 minute and 32 seconds into her San Diego Wave debut on Saturday afternoon, netting the equalizer in what would eventually become a narrow 2-1 loss to the Orlando Pride in Orlando, Florida. Okwuchukwu came off the bench in the 60th minute and immediately made an impact, heading home a lofted ball from Kenza Dali to tie the match in the 62nd minute. Her goal stands as the second-fastest by a player on their league debut—trailing only Ebony Salmon’s 55 second lightning strike in 2021.

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While the Wave ultimately fell after Marta converted a re-taken penalty in the 76th minute, Okwuchukwu’s performance stood out as a bright spot. A January signing from Nigerian Women’s Premier League champions Rivers Angels FC, the teenager has already drawn attention as one of Africa’s top young prospects. She was recently featured on ESPN’s “21 Under 21” list at No. 17, thanks to her early national team debut at just 16, back-to-back U20 World Cup campaigns, and nomination for 2024 CAF Women's Young Player of the Year.

Okwuchukwu’s NWSL career is just getting started, but her debut goal was a glimpse of the impact she’s capable of making—especially as San Diego’s squad finds its rhythm and new signings settle in. With a blend of speed, sharp instincts, and a high soccer IQ, she’s already showing signs of becoming a game-changer for the Wave as the season unfolds.