Boluwatife Kehinde
Super Falcons goal keeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie, has recently shared her experiences regarding the emotional challenges she has encountered since transferring to Brighton & Hove Albion in the English Women’s Super League (WSL).
In a poignant segment of the Nike and VERSUS documentary titled “Nothing Off the Table,” Nnadozie spoke candidly about the hurdles associated with her move, which differ from the typical narratives surrounding athlete transitions.
She stated, “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.”
Nnadozie expressed that adjusting to life in a new country, separated from her family and familiar surroundings, has been particularly challenging.
“Since I moved to Brighton, every day I cry because I feel lonely. I miss my family, my teammates, and my coaches,” she shared, reflecting her profound sense of isolation that accompanies her new environment.
However, she acknowledged that her new team has demonstrated considerable support, with her teammates and coaching staff frequently checking in on her well-being.
As she gradually acclimatises to her circumstances in Brighton, Nnadozie credited the compassion of those around her and the unity within the team as instrumental in helping her navigate this transition.
“I think the most important thing is having people who really care about you. That has helped me a lot, and going into pre-season with the team was also a big boost. The unity and everything I experienced within the team were really positive,” she conveyed.
Recognised as the fourth-best female goalkeeper in the world in the latest Ballon d’Or rankings, Nnadozie transferred to Brighton at the beginning of the current season following a successful tenure at Paris FC.
Among her accomplishments, she achieved a fourth-place finish in the Women’s Yashin Trophy rankings at the recent Ballon d’Or ceremony held in Paris in September.
This accolade is particularly significant, as she became the first female goalkeeper from Africa to receive such recognition.
The Nigeria Football Federation has commended Nnadozie’s achievements, with General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi expressing admiration for her exceptional performance.
“Finishing fourth is a significant accomplishment, especially considering the caliber of goalkeepers she was competing against. We believe in her capability to win this trophy very soon,” he remarked, reflecting the federation’s confidence in her potential.
Brighton’s coach, Dario Vidosic, has also commended Nnadozie’s recent recognition at the Ballon d’Or ceremony. “As a club, and as a squad, everyone associated with the women’s program at Brighton is incredibly proud of her. It is a fantastic achievement to be acknowledged with one of the most prestigious awards in the footballing world,” he stated in an interview with the club’s media team.
Vidosic further noted the accomplishments of both Nnadozie and the Super Falcons, who recently made history by securing their record-extending tenth Women’s Africa Cup of Nations trophy this summer.
“Both had a tremendous summer, lifting continental trophies after their respective victories at the Euros and WAFCON. It truly highlights how pivotal they were to the success of their national teams,” he added, emphasizing the significance of Nnadozie’s contributions both at her club and on the international stage.
