Ballon d’Or nominee Chiamaka Nnadozie reveals why she joined Brighton | OneFootball

Credit: Scott Taetsch-USA TODAY Sports

Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie has explained why she decided to join Brighton from Paris FC this summer.

It was a summer to remember for the 24-year-old who is regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world.

Nnadozie helped Nigeria win a record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title in July.

This came a month after she secured her move to Women’s Super League club Brighton.

Nnadozie had come close to a move to the WSL in 2024, but decided to see out her contract at Paris FC.

The Nigerian’s summer was capped off by being named on the shortlist for the Women’s Ballon d’Or award.

England star Hannah Hampton was the only other goalkeeper to be named on the 30-player shortlist.

Chiamaka Nnadozie explains Brighton move

Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie revealed that it was her dream to play in the Women’s Super League (WSL) following her move to Brighton.

She told the BBC: “It was a feeling of joy for me and my family. They kept asking me questions. They didn’t really understand where Brighton was until I told them it was in the UK.

“It has always been my dream to play in England. Moving to Brighton is a special one. From the first time they came knocking, I knew they were the one.

“I’m happy to be here. I told my family it was not going to be like it was in Paris. It will not be easy. The WSL is a very strong league.”

Nnadozie made an impressive start with a Player of the Match award after keeping a clean sheet in Brighton’s goalless draw with Aston Villa.

During the match, the Nigerian keeper made four saves to help Brighton take a point from their WSL opener.

When are the Ballon d’Or awards?

The 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony will take place on Monday, September 22nd.

Nnadozie is one of 30 players shortlisted for the award, with the favourites including Barcelona’s Alexia Putellas and Arsenal pair Alessia Russo and Mariona Caldentey.

Speaking to the BBC about her nomination, Nnadozie said: “It is a miracle for me. It shows that all the hard work, dedication and everything I’ve been doing in the past, has been worth it.

“The world has been watching. It will make a very big impact in Africa because we have so many good players and they just need the opportunity to show what they can really do.”

Nnadozie has also been nominated for the Yachine Trophy for best women’s goalkeeper in world football, with the winner of that award also set to be handed out on the same night.