Nnadozie shortlisted for the English Professional Footballers Association Player of the Month

SUPER Falcons shot stopper Chiamaka Nnadozie has been shortlisted for the English Professional Footballers Association (PFA) September Women’s Super League Fans’ Player of the Month award in recognition of her scintillating performances.

Nnadozie, 24, who joined English Women's Super League (WSL) side Brighton & Hove Albion at the start of the season, has been one of the standout performers of the campaign so far. Already voted fourth best in the world by Fifa last month, Nnadozie her brought her great form to England where she has made some breathtaking saves in the league so far.

In just five appearances, Nnadozie has kept two clean sheets, produced several outstanding saves and helped Brighton secure seven points from their opening five games. Her commanding debut, a goalless draw against Aston Villa, earned her the Player of the Match award and immediately signalled her arrival in the WSL.

Nnadozie was instrumental in Nigeria’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) triumph, winning the Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament award and made history as the first African woman ever nominated for the Women’s Yashin Trophy at the Ballon d’Or. In what has been an outstanding year for her, she has become an expert at saving penalties for both club and country.

In a recent appearance on Nike and Versus Nothing Off the Table series, Nnadozie opened up about the emotional toll of life in a new country. She pointed out that she struggled to adjust to life in England following her transfer from Paris FC in France but added that despite being homesick, Brighton helped her adapt.

Nnadozie said: “It has not really been easy because people just see you come out on the field to play, they don’t know the struggles behind. Since I moved to Brighton, every day I cry because I feel lonely, I miss my family, my teammates and coaches. They always try to check up on me to make sure I’m okay.

“I think the most important thing is having people who really care about you. That has helped me a lot and going to the pre-season with the team also helped me. The unity, everything I saw in the team was really good.”

Under the PFA awards structure, to confirm Nnadozie as the WSL's number one, fans have to vote for her on the official PFA platform. Already this year, Nnadozie has been conferred with the Nigerian national honour Officer of the Order of the Niger for her role in helping the Super Falcons win Wafcon 2025.