‘It’s Difficult To Get To The Top’- Super Falcons’ Goalkeeper

Nigeria Super Falcons goal keeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie, spoke to FIFA.com about her career and journey in the world of football, tand how tough it had been.

She explained how hard it was for the Super Falcons to attain the number one position in Africa and the fight to remain at the top.

Nnadozie spoke following the ouster of the Falcons from qualifications for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic by Cote D’Ivorie, who narrowly aged Nigeria in a pair of draws (0-0, 1-1).

“It’s difficult to get to the top, but it’s just as complicated to stay there,” says Nnadozie, as she explained the challenges facing her side.

“You become the team to beat, the one everybody wants to knock off the throne. For us, we owe it to ourselves to stay at the top. That means never taking our dominant position for granted, and obviously never stopping working hard.

“We know that the level of competition keeps getting tougher, but we won’t let up,” she said.

The 19-year-old goal keeper came to limelight for the first time at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in France 2018.

She proceeded to make name for herself at the FIFA 2019 where she set a new record as the youngest goalkeeper to keep a clean sheet at a Women’s World Cup.

She helped Nigeria beat South Korea 2-0 at the age of 18 and 186 days old.

“That was something that meant a lot to me,” says Nnadozie. “Before that, I didn’t even think I’d make it into the squad of 23 players. So, to take part in that World Cup, to play and then to keep a clean sheet… it was one dream coming true after another. It looks great on a CV! And it gives me encouragement. It makes me want to go even further.”

She plays for French topflight club Paris FC and so far, enjoys life there, saying the league is tough and competitive.

“Paris is extraordinary, I’ve explored its streets, the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe. I’m very happy to be living here.”