Chioma Nnamaka was born in Uppsala, Sweden into what would become a family of basketball players. Her brother Oluoma played at Marquette and now (2007) plays professionally in Italy. Her sisters Azuka and Ifeanyi also play overseas. Her parents are Jonathan and Ann-Katrin Nnamaka.

Nnamaka attended high school at Fryshusets Kunskaps Centrum. Playing basketball, she helped her team win the Swedish Championship on three occasions. Nnamaka then went to the United States to attend Georgia Tech. She made the Dean's list studying International Affairs, and played basketball for the Yellow Jackets.

WNBA
On Draft Day, 2008, Nnamaka was selected 21st overall by the San Antonio Silver Stars - the highest draft pick ever chosen from Georgia Tech, and the first pick of the draft made by the Silver Stars. She was traded on the same day, however, to the expansion team Atlanta Dream, where she has begun her rookie season.