Super Falcons’ Chiamaka Nnadozie has made a significant mark in the English Women’s Super League (WSL), now leading the save chart with 22 saves in just five appearances. The Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper’s stellar performances have earned her a spot in the nomination for the prestigious PFA WSL Fans’ Player of The Month for September.
Having joined Brighton from Paris FC in the summer, Nnadozie has swiftly established herself as one of the league’s standout performers. The 24-year-old Nigerian international is outpacing her peers, narrowly edging out Leicester City’s Janina Leitzig, who has 21 saves, and London City Lionesses’ Elene Lete, with 19.
Statistics show that Nnadozie has also maintained two clean sheets, one of the highest in the division, tied with Tottenham’s Lize Kop and Manchester United’s Phallon Tullis-Joyce, who have three each. Her consistency has helped Brighton secure a solid position, sitting sixth in the WSL table.
The goalkeeper’s September performances, which include seven points for Brighton from their first four league games, have been a testament to her sharp reflexes, leadership, and impact on the field. She made a remarkable 16 saves across these matches, including a debut clean sheet against Aston Villa and crucial saves in a draw against Manchester City. Though she suffered a narrow 1-0 loss to Spurs, Nnadozie’s six saves against the London side demonstrated her agility and determination.
Speaking about her emotional challenges since joining Brighton, Nnadozie shared in Nike and VERSUS’ Nothing Off the Table film that adjusting to life in a new country has been difficult. “Since I moved to Brighton, every day I cry because I feel lonely. I miss my family, my teammates, and coaches,” she confessed. However, Nnadozie credited her teammates and the coaching staff for providing invaluable support.
Brighton’s manager, Dario Vidosic, commended Nnadozie’s professionalism, stating, “Her recognition for the Ballon d’Or is a fantastic achievement for the club and for women’s football.”
This nomination for Player of the Month, alongside her remarkable achievements, solidifies Nnadozie’s reputation as one of the brightest goalkeeping talents globally. From helping Nigeria to a 10th WAFCON title to now climbing to the top of the WSL, Nnadozie’s rise is poised to continue as one of the most significant stories in African football.
