CAF Goalkeeper of the Year Chiamaka Nnadozie’s debut season with Brighton & Hove Albion Women was a story of promise, progress, and Wembley pride as she helped the Seagulls reach the Adobe Women’s FA Cup final.
When Nnadozie completed her free transfer from Paris FC to Brighton in July 2025, she arrived with a glowing reputation as a penalty-saving specialist and one of the most highly rated goalkeepers in French football.
The Nigeria international did not just adapt; she made an immediate impact.
Stepping straight into Dario Vidosic’s starting XI, Nnadozie quickly became a key figure in a Brighton side determined to challenge England’s established WSL contenders. Her athletic reflexes, commanding aerial presence, and composure with the ball made her a standout performer from the start of the campaign.
Over the course of the 2025/2026 season, the 25-year-old became the foundation of Brighton’s defence, establishing herself as one of the league’s most reliable shot-stoppers.
Nnadozie made 19 WSL appearances, playing 1,710 minutes and recording six clean sheets, a figure that ranked joint-fourth overall in the competition. Her 62 saves ranked second among all goalkeepers in the league during the season.
Her individual brilliance was recognised in December 2025 when a stunning save against Liverpool earned her the WSL Save of the Month award for November. The remarkable stop was also nominated for the Barclays Women’s Super League Save of the Season.
While her league performances helped Brighton compete among England’s top sides, highlighted by a historic victory over eventual champions Manchester City, her Adobe Women’s FA Cup campaign produced some of her most memorable moments in a Brighton shirt.
Brighton’s path to Wembley was built on resilience, with Nnadozie playing a key role throughout the competition. After victories over Arsenal and West Ham, the Seagulls faced a major test in the semi-final when they fell 2-0 behind within the opening 22 minutes.
Nnadozie’s crucial second-half saves helped inspire a dramatic 95th-minute comeback victory that secured the club’s place in the final for the first time.
On May 31, 2026, Nnadozie walked onto the famous Wembley Stadium pitch to face Manchester City in the FA Cup final. Although Brighton fell short, the Nigeria international produced a commendable display with six saves, marking another major milestone in her career.
Her outstanding season comes at the perfect time for the Super Falcons, the African champions, who head into the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations with one of the world’s best goalkeepers in peak form.
Facing elite opponents such as Chelsea, Manchester City, and Arsenal week after week has sharpened Nnadozie’s decision-making, strengthened her composure, and elevated her performances on the biggest stages.
The Super Falcons will head into the tournament knowing their goal is protected by a goalkeeper who has spent the season competing against some of the world’s best players.
For Nigeria, having a battle-tested goalkeeper competing in one of Europe’s toughest leagues provides a major advantage as the Super Falcons look to continue their dominance in Africa and qualify for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027.
