Nigeria international goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie has revealed that her journey into goalkeeping happened by chance, as the Brighton shot-stopper reflected on her rise ahead of the Women’s FA Cup final at Wembley.
Speaking in an interview published by The FA on Wednesday, Nnadozie said she originally played as an outfield player before an unexpected opportunity changed her career path.
“I wasn’t a goalkeeper from the beginning – I was an outfield player,” she said. “I started goalkeeping in 2012. One day our goalkeeper got injured and she was the only keeper who came for the game. I said I could help.”
The Super Falcons star explained that her coach was initially unsure about the decision, but she convinced him after recalling her experiences playing informal matches with family members in her village.
“The coach asked if I had ever been in goal before. I said yes – in the village, playing with my brothers and cousins. When the tackles got rough I would just go in goal. And that was how it started,” Nnadozie added.
She said her rapid progress soon earned her a place in Nigeria’s under-17 national team, making it impossible to return to playing outfield.
“Before I knew it I was in the under-17 national team. After that, it was too late to go back,” she said.
Nnadozie has been one of Brighton’s standout performers during their impressive Women’s FA Cup campaign and expressed excitement about playing at Wembley.
“So excited! I can’t wait – bring it on,” she said. “This team has been through a lot this season. We’ve worked hard and we deserve to be here.”
The 24-year-old also reflected on Brighton’s dramatic semi-final comeback after trailing 2-0 early in the match before eventually scoring a stoppage-time winner.
“In the first half I was asking myself, ‘Is this how we are going home?’ But in the dressing room everyone kept encouraging each other. Our spirit lifted and I always believed we would get through it,” she said.
Nnadozie praised the encouragement from Brighton manager Dario Vidosic, who urged the players to remain calm and trust the work they had done in training.
She also paid tribute to the club’s supporters for their unwavering backing throughout the season.
“They have been with us from day one,” she said. “Even when we travel far away to play, they are there before us. I just want to thank them and hopefully we will make them proud at Wembley.”
Nnadozie further disclosed that although her family supported while she was growing up, she personally admired because of their dominant women’s team.
The Nigerian goalkeeper added that she once had the opportunity to join Lyon but opted for Brighton instead, insisting she has no regrets about the decision.