From Defying her Father's Wishes to Shattering Records: Chiamaka Nnadozie's Inspirational Soccer Journey
Chiamaka Nnadozie's journey to becoming a Nigerian soccer star was far from easy Despite facing resistance from her family, who had all pursued professional careers in soccer, she defied the odds and emerged as a record-breaking goalkeeper for Paris FC
Paris FC and Nigerian goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie, faced numerous challenges throughout her career, despite her current success.
Coming from a predominantly male-oriented family, all of whom had attempted to pursue professional careers, Nnadozie's aspirations were met with skepticism instead of support.
"My family wasn't very supportive," said the 22-year-old to CNN's Amanda Davies. "I was never allowed to play, particularly by my father. Whenever I wanted to play soccer, he would dismissively tell me that girls don't play football. He would bring up his own unsuccessful football career, as well as the unsuccessful attempts of my brother and cousin. He questioned why I would choose this path instead of focusing on education or other interests." Nnadozie shared her recollection.
Nnadozie persevered in playing football despite the cynicism, determined to achieve her dream of representing Nigeria. Her mother played a crucial role in nurturing this hope, regularly taking Nnadozie to her aunt's house where she could freely indulge in the game.
The journey from a modest town in Nigeria to the knockout stages of the World Cup has been an arduous and meandering one. Yet, for Nnadozie, it is a path she reflects upon with immense pride.
On October 18, 2023, in Wolfsburg, Germany, Paris FC's Chiamaka Nnadozie made a crucial save, stopping a penalty in the second leg match against VfL Wolfsburg in the UEFA Women's Champions League qualifying round.
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I was crying
At the 2019 Womens World Cup, the Nigerian goalkeeper skyrocketed to fame when she became the youngest-ever goalkeeper to achieve a clean sheet. Despite being just 19 years old at the time, Nnadozie's performance in France displayed a remarkable level of confidence and authority, usually seen in experienced professionals. Reflecting on her emotions during the tournament, Nnadozie revealed that she initially held the position of the team's second goalkeeper.
In the second game, I was incredibly scared when the coach informed me that I would be playing. I was still very young, and the fear overwhelmed me to the point of tears.
However, some of my teammates approached me, urging me to gather courage. They offered words of encouragement, saying, "Come on, you can do this! We believe in you, and even God believes in you. So, believe in yourself."
Nigeria emerged victorious with a 2-0 triumph, leaving an indelible mark in the annals of history, thanks to Nnadozie's standout performance.
Fast-forwarding to 2023, Nnadozie proudly boasts an array of remarkable accomplishments at both club and national levels.
Nigeria surprised many by advancing to the last 16 stage of the World Cup, surpassing expectations in a tough group that included hosts Australia and No. 7 ranked Canada. Nnadozie's stellar performances in goal played a crucial role, earning Nigeria two clean sheets. Unfortunately, their journey ended at the hands of European champion England.
During the group stage match against Canada, Nnadozie encountered a familiar opponent in Christine Sinclair, whom she had faced two years ago. Sinclair earned a penalty early in the second half, placing the weight of a potential defeat at the start of Nigeria's World Cup campaign solely on Nnadozie's shoulders.
"In the past two years, we had played against Canada and I had made an error, allowing her to score. Therefore, when she stepped up to take the penalty during the World Cup, I couldn't help but think: Not you again."
Nnadozie demonstrated impressive reflexes as she dived to her left, skillfully deflecting Sinclair's penalty kick and securing a vital point for Nigeria. Without this crucial save, the Super Falcons would have certainly validated the doubts of the pre-tournament skeptics.
Nnadozie saves a penalty against Christine Sinclair of Canada at the FIFA Women's World Cup.
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Nnadozie's exceptional penalty-saving ability elevates her position as a goalkeeper in the starting XI. Her mastery in using this weapon was showcased during her remarkable performance in Paris FC's Womens Champions League qualifier against Arsenal in September. She impressively saved penalty shots from Alessia Russo and Frida Manuum, securing a thrilling victory that guaranteed Paris FC's spot in this year's competition.
In the subsequent round, Paris encountered Wolfsburg, the finalists from last year, in a two-legged match. Once again, Nnadozie displayed her heroic penalty-saving skills and denied Wolfsburg's Dominique Janssen in the second leg. This incredible performance helped her team secure a place in the group stage of the Women's Champions League with a remarkable victory. What sets Nnadozie apart in her penalty-saving abilities? It's the absence of rituals or peculiar superstitions - she simply remains cool and composed under pressure.
"To be honest with you, no pressure. Yes, pressure from the team, but for me personally, there is no pressure at all because when Im calm, I understand myself more," she said.
Finding a place
Little did people know, Nnadozie initially began her soccer journey as a field player, not as a goalkeeper. However, in 2012, fate led her to unexpectedly stand between the goalposts while representing her local team in Nigeria. It was during this time that she developed a keen interest in the art of goalkeeping.
After her persistent plea to her manager for a substitution of her exhausted teammate in goal, her outstanding performance left her coach with no choice but to remark, "To be part of this team, you must be a goalkeeper."
In 2016, Nnadozie received the opportunity to represent Nigeria in the Under-17s Women's World Cup in Jordan, which eventually convinced her father.
During a game against England, my mother unexpectedly shouted, "Hey, do you recognize that individual?" Surprised, the person in question responded, "Is that my daughter?" My mother proudly confirmed, "Yes, she is representing Nigeria on national television now!" This news brought immense joy to him.
Upon returning from the game, he eagerly embraced me and excitedly informed his friends, "Guess what! My daughter has returned!" Nnadozie gleefully recounted, wearing a smile on her face.
Nnadozie's ascent coincides with the rise of female goalkeepers worldwide. The emergence of figures like Nnadozie, England's Mary Earps, and Chiles Christiane Endler has sparked a shift in perspectives. As a result, jersey manufacturers have started to recognize the increasing desire among young girls to become the next Earps, Endler, or Nnadozie.
"Mary Earps, she's a global sensation. With her triumph in the Euros and exceptional goalkeeping skills, she undoubtedly stands out. The same can be said for Endler. I am delighted to have my name associated with such esteemed individuals," Nnadozie expressed.
"Upon seeing the post, it struck me that she has raised a valid argument," Nnadozie added.
Nnadozie catches a cross while being challenged by France's Kadidiatou Diani at the 2019 Women's World Cup.
Nnadozie's path to success has been far from conventional - from initially playing in the outfield to facing opposition from her father - a story that resonates with countless young girls globally. Her advice to aspiring female footballers is both motivating and truthful.
"All I'm going to say to them is: continue being true to yourself and persevering," she asserted. "Consistently choose the right path, even when no one's observing. It can be challenging when your parents don't offer their support. What options do you have?
"Nevertheless, we must persistently work hard and have faith in our capabilities. Eventually, the possibilities will be limitless."
