Nigerian goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie has taken the next big step in her career, sealing a move to the English Women’s Super League (WSL) side Brighton & Hove Albion from French giants Paris FC on a four-year deal.
However, before she gets between the sticks in England, her immediate priority lies in leading the Super Falcons to glory at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, which kicks off on July 5.
“I Want to Win Trophies” – Chiamaka Nnadozie
Nnadozie, 23, announced her move to Brighton over the weekend, expressing clear ambition for her time in England:
“I want to win trophies, win games,” she said via her social media accounts. “Most importantly, to help the team achieve great things.”
While Brighton may not yet boast the stature of Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United, or Manchester City (the established WSL top four), the Nigerian star said she was immediately intrigued by the Seagulls’ project.
“It feels so great. I’m really excited to be joining this great club,” Nnadozie said.
“Right from the beginning, when I heard the name of the club, I was so interested, and I am happy to be here.”
A Signing That Signals Brighton’s Ambition
Nnadozie’s arrival could be the clearest sign yet that Brighton are serious about bridging the gap to the elite.
Despite never winning the WSL, FA Cup, or League Cup, the Seagulls are regarded as one of the best-run clubs outside the top four, known for investing in infrastructure, player development, and long-term squad building.
Their best WSL finish to date was 6th in the 2020/21 season, but with Nnadozie joining their ranks, they now have one of the top-rated goalkeepers in world football anchoring their backline.
From Port Harcourt to Paris and Now to the Premier League
Chiamaka Nnadozie began her career with Rivers Angels in the Nigeria Women’s Football League, rising to prominence as a teenager with her commanding presence and shot-stopping talent.
She announced herself to the world in 2019 at the FIFA Women’s World Cup, where she kept a clean sheet in Nigeria’s 2-0 win over Korea Republic, becoming the youngest goalkeeper to do so in the tournament’s history.
That performance opened doors, and in January 2020, she joined Paris FC in France’s Division 1 Féminine. There, she made over
–85 appearances,
-kept 38 clean sheets, and
-helped the club achieve consecutive top-three finishes behind Lyon and PSG.
Chiamaka’s final season in France was her most successful yet. She was named Goalkeeper of the Season in 2023/24, making a record seven penalty saves ; the most in any European women’s top flight that season.
She helped Paris FC to their best-ever UEFA Women’s Champions League run, where they eliminated Arsenal in a dramatic shootout.
“She Saved Us” — A Penalty Queen in Paris
That Champions League night remains one of her defining moments. Nnadozie saved three penalties against Arsenal to send Paris FC into the group stages of the tournament for the first time.
Her form earned her a place in the Team of the Season and made her the first Nigerian and African goalkeeper to win the Goalkeeper of the Season accolade in France.
The Falcons’ First Name on the Team Sheet
While Nigeria’s men’s team have struggled to find a consistent presence in goal in recent years, the women’s team has had no such issues.
Since making her debut in 2018, Nnadozie has cemented her place as Nigeria’s No. 1, featuring in:
At the 2023 World Cup, she played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s unbeaten group-stage run, earning global praise after saving a penalty from Christine Sinclair in a 0-0 draw with Canada.
Nigeria were eventually eliminated in the Round of 16 after a goalless draw and penalty shootout defeat to England — a match where Nnadozie once again stood out with key saves.
Her performances that year earned her the CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year Award in 2023.
Now or Never: WAFCON Glory First
Chiamaka Nnadozie is laser-focused on one thing first: winning the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. The Super Falcons, (Africa’s most successful women’s team) are chasing a record-extending 10th title, having lost their crown to South Africa in 2022.
After the WAFCON tournament in Morocco, Nnadozie will report to Brighton for pre-season, with the club hopeful her presence will help solidify a defence that conceded too many goals last season.
It’s a bold move for both player and club, but given Nnadozie’s track record of excellence and ambition, it might just be the perfect match.
