Chiamaka Nnadozie targets Brighton revival after Nigeria’s WAFCON setback

Chiamaka Nnadozie has returned to Brighton & Hove Albion determined to move on from Nigeria’s disappointing 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign, with the goalkeeper preparing for the club’s Barclays Women’s Super League opener against Arsenal on Sunday.

The 25-year-old was part of the Super Falcons side that surrendered their continental title in Morocco after being knocked out by Ghana in the quarter-finals. Nnadozie conceded six goals during the tournament and also faced criticism after Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

She had previously been beaten twice by South Africa during Nigeria’s unsuccessful World Cup playoff campaign, adding to a difficult period for the goalkeeper at international level.

Nnadozie has since switched her attention back to Brighton, featuring during pre-season as the club prepares to begin its 2026/27 WSL campaign.

“Few minutes in the pre-season friendly. Looking forward to a big weekend,” the former Rivers Angels goalkeeper posted on X before Brighton’s opening fixture.

Brighton will host Arsenal at Broadfield Stadium on Sunday, when Nnadozie is expected to play an important role as the club seeks a positive start to the new season.

The Nigeria international enjoyed an impressive first campaign in English football in 2025/26. She finished with the highest save percentage in the WSL among goalkeepers who made at least 10 league appearances.

Official WSL figures show Nnadozie saved 74.7% of the shots she faced, narrowly surpassing Chelsea goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, who recorded 74.6%. Manchester United’s Phallon Tullis-Joyce ranked third on 73.6%.

Nnadozie faced 83 shots on target across 19 league appearances and prevented 62 of them. Those figures established her as one of the most effective goalkeepers in the division during her debut season.

Her contribution was also central to Brighton’s wider campaign. The club reached the Women’s FA Cup final, where they were beaten by Manchester City.

Nnadozie recorded six clean sheets in the league and prevented an estimated 3.3 goals, further underlining the impact she made between the posts.

She also received individual recognition after winning the WSL Save of the Month award for a fine fingertip stop against Liverpool. That save later earned her a nomination for the WSL Save of the Season award.

Brighton will hope the goalkeeper can reproduce that form as they begin another league campaign, while Nnadozie will be looking to use the new season as a springboard for a strong return to both club and international football.