Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie is taking the English Women’s Super League (WSL) by storm, climbing to the top of the league’s saves chart and earning a nomination for the PFA WSL Fans’ Player of the Month award for September.
The Brighton & Hove Albion shot-stopper, who joined the English side from Paris FC in the summer, has been one of the standout performers in her debut season. In just five league games, she has made 22 saves, the highest in the WSL so far, narrowly ahead of Leicester City’s Janina Leitzig (21) and London City Lionesses’ Elene Lete (19).
According to official WSL statistics, Nnadozie has also recorded two clean sheets, ranking among the most consistent goalkeepers in the division. Only Tottenham’s Lize Kop and Manchester United’s Phallon Tullis-Joyce have managed more, with three apiece.
Her form has been key to Brighton’s solid start to the season, with the Seagulls currently sitting sixth on the league table. They next face West Ham United in the Women’s League Cup before a crucial clash against European champions Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
Rising Star Among Elite Nominees
Nnadozie’s impact in England has not gone unnoticed. She has been shortlisted for the PFA WSL Fans’ Player of the Month award, alongside Chelsea’s Aggie Beever-Jones, Manchester United’s Melvine Malard, Arsenal’s Alessia Russo, Manchester City’s Bunny Shaw, and Tottenham’s Cathinka Tandberg.
Her performances in September were particularly outstanding, helping Brighton secure seven points from four league matches. She impressed on her debut with a clean sheet against Aston Villa and produced several vital saves in a hard-fought draw with Manchester City.
In those matches alone, she made 16 crucial saves, showcasing her reflexes, confidence, and control inside the box. Against Tottenham, she added six more saves, denying Tandberg, Bethany England, Eveliina Summanen, and Toko Koga multiple times, though she could not prevent Tandberg’s decisive first-half goal in their narrow 1–0 defeat.
A Historic Year for the Nigerian Star
Nnadozie’s nomination reinforces her growing reputation as one of the world’s top goalkeepers. The 24-year-old enjoyed a remarkable 2025 season, helping Nigeria win the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), where she was named Goalkeeper of the Tournament.
Her international success also earned her a place among the nominees for the Women’s Yashin Trophy at the Ballon d’Or ceremony, making her the first African goalkeeper ever nominated. She ultimately finished fourth, a historic milestone for African women’s football.
Challenges and Triumphs Off the Pitch
Despite her early success in England, Nnadozie has admitted to facing emotional struggles since her move to Brighton. Speaking in Nike and VERSUS’ “Nothing Off the Table” documentary, she revealed the personal challenges behind her public achievements.
“It has not really been easy because people just see you come out on the field to play, they don’t know the struggles behind,” she said.
“Since I moved to Brighton, every day I cry because I feel lonely. I miss my family, my teammates, and coaches. They always try to check up on me to make sure I’m okay.”
She credited Brighton’s coaching staff and teammates for their support, highlighting the club’s family-like atmosphere.
“I think the most important thing is having people who really care about you. That has helped me a lot, and going to pre-season with the team also helped me. The unity I saw in the team was really good.”
Brighton Manager Praises Nnadozie’s Leadership
Brighton manager Dario Vidosic hailed Nnadozie’s professionalism and influence on the squad, describing her Ballon d’Or recognition as a proud moment for the entire club.
“As a club, squad, and everyone affiliated with the women’s programme at Brighton, we are all really proud of her. It’s a fantastic achievement to be recognised for one of the most prestigious awards in football,” he said.
Nnadozie’s rise comes just months after helping Nigeria secure a record-extending 10th WAFCON title, reaffirming her status as Africa’s premier goalkeeper.
As she continues to excel for Brighton, Chiamaka Nnadozie is not only redefining goalkeeping standards in England but also inspiring a new generation of African footballers with her resilience, skill, and leadership.
