World Cup heroics are nothing new for Nigeria’s Nnadozie

SYDNEY — When Nigeria’s goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie left for the 2023 Women’s World Cup, everybody at her membership, Paris FC, wished her effectively. But deep down, the sensation was slightly bit totally different. As a employees member put it to ESPN, the largest concern her friends had was that she would shine a lot {that a} greater membership would are available in after the match and tempt her away from Paris, although she signed a new deal in April tying her to the membership till June 2025.

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“She is so talented,” Sandrine Soubeyrand, the French legend and head coach at Paris FC, advised ESPN. “She is one of the main reasons why we finished third in the league last season and qualified for the Champions League. She kept clean sheets [eight through the campaign], she made crucial saves in key matches. She was outstanding for us and so consistent as well.”

The coach nonetheless remembers her keeper’s unimaginable efficiency within the second half in opposition to Lyon a few years in the past. “She is one of the best keepers in the world already at her age,” Soubeyrand provides concerning the 22-year-old.

It seems to be like Paris FC’s largest fears are occurring on this World Cup. Nnadozie was incredible and decisive in Nigeria’s 0-0 draw in opposition to Canada when she made three saves, together with a Christine Sinclair penalty. She did even higher within the 3-2 win vs. Australia, regardless of conceding two objectives. Nnadozie made six saves, together with a few beautiful ones.

IT’S SAVED FROM CHIAMAKA NNADOZIE 🧤🇳🇬 pic.twitter.com/JfZRcv8nCw

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 21, 2023

The Nigeria captain is having a big impact on the Super Falcons, who are the shock bundle of the match to this point. But World Cup heroics aren’t new for Nnadozie. Four years in the past in France she impressed, particularly in opposition to the hosts within the group stage when she was sensational till France striker Wendie Renard put a penalty previous her late within the recreation. That’s when Nnadozie satisfied Paris FC to signal her.

Six months later, they recruited her from River Angels, her membership in Port Harcourt, within the south of Nigeria, not too removed from Orlu, the place she was born and grew up. “I come from a family of boys [she has three brothers] so I have always played football with them in the streets. Because I was not great in the field, I was put in goal when I was 12 and I loved it,” she defined earlier than the match.

Despite her nice success to this point in her profession, issues haven’t all the time been simple. “When I started playing football, my dad told me: ‘No, football is not for girls.’ But when he saw me playing for Nigeria at the 2019 World Cup, he shouted: ‘Oh my God, this is my daughter!'” she recalled with a smile.

Her father’s authentic disapproval was the motivation she wanted. “I remember so well the day he said that. I will never forget it. I was sad and angry. I begged him but he was cross. For him, I had to focus on school and on my education and forget about football. It pushed me to work harder to show him I could succeed and to prove him wrong,” she stated. Her brothers and her mum have been on her facet, although, and helped her quite a bit.

Her large smile, constructive mindset and shining persona, in addition to her ambition and dedication, have made her a success in Paris, the place she feels at residence even when she misses Nigeria. She has tailored effectively to France. “She has incredible mental strength. She always gives 100% while enjoying every moment of her career. It is a privilege to coach someone like her,” Soubeyrand stated.

France worldwide midfielder Clara Mateo, Nnadozie’s pal and teammate at membership stage, has been dreaming of dealing with her sooner or later throughout this World Cup and proper now, it may truly occur within the quarterfinal if each France and Nigeria high their group and win their last-16 tie. Mateo would not want to present tricks to Les Bleues. All of them know by now Nnadozie’s qualities, not least due to her performances within the French high flight.