Chiamaka Nnadozie, the highly-rated goalkeeper for the Nigerian women’s national football team, the Super Falcons, is poised to embark on a new chapter in her career. Reports indicate that the 24-year-old shot-stopper has reached a pre-contract agreement with Everton, a prominent club competing in the English Women’s Super League (WSL). This move will see Nnadozie depart from French club Paris FC, where she has spent the last five years honing her skills and solidifying her reputation as one of the most promising goalkeeping talents in women’s football. Her arrival at Everton will reunite her with international teammate Toni Payne, further strengthening the Merseyside club’s squad.
Nnadozie’s imminent departure from Paris FC comes on the heels of another exceptional season in the French top flight, the Arkema Première Ligue. For the second consecutive year, she has been named to the league’s Team of the Season, a testament to her consistent brilliance between the posts. This recognition underscores her growing influence and impact on the game, solidifying her status as a key player for both club and country. Last season, Nnadozie etched her name in history by becoming the first Nigerian player to receive this prestigious accolade, further highlighting her trailblazing journey.
The Nigerian international’s performances have been instrumental in Paris FC’s success this season. Her commanding presence in goal and shot-stopping prowess have helped the team secure a playoff spot and, crucially, qualification for next season’s UEFA Women’s Champions League. Paris FC finished third in the regular season standings, accumulating 45 points, largely due to Nnadozie’s contribution. Her impressive tally of 11 clean sheets in 18 appearances is second only to Lyon’s Christiane Endler, who boasts 13 clean sheets. This statistic underscores Nnadozie’s remarkable consistency and ability to thwart opposing attacks.
Nnadozie’s exceptional form has not gone unnoticed, as she finds herself in contention for the coveted Goalkeeper of the Season award. Having claimed this honor last year, she is aiming to retain the title, further cementing her reputation as one of the best goalkeepers in the league. She faces stiff competition from Lyon’s Christiane Endler and Manchester United and England star Mary Earps, both formidable goalkeepers in their own right. Furthermore, Nnadozie stands out as the only player to have won the Player of the Month award twice this season, further highlighting her consistent excellence.
This season has not been without its challenges for Nnadozie. She recently suffered an injury during Paris FC’s final regular season match against Fleury 91, a game which her team won comfortably 4-0. Despite this setback, Nnadozie is determined to recover swiftly and be available for the upcoming Coupe de France Féminine final against their city rivals, Paris Saint-Germain. This crucial match, scheduled for May 3rd at the Stade de l’Epopée in Calais, offers Nnadozie the opportunity to end her tenure at Paris FC on a high note by securing silverware.
Following the Coupe de France final, Paris FC and PSG are set to clash once again, this time in the semifinals of the Première Ligue playoffs on May 11th. The victor of this encounter will advance to the final, where they will face either Lyon or Dijon. Nnadozie will be eager to contribute to her team’s success in this crucial playoff tie before her anticipated move to Everton. Her potential departure represents a significant loss for Paris FC, but a major coup for Everton, who will be gaining a talented and experienced goalkeeper with a proven track record of success. As Nnadozie prepares for her next chapter, she leaves behind a legacy of excellence and a testament to the growing strength of African women’s football on the global stage.
