Chiamaka Nnadozie, the 25-year-old goalkeeper for Brighton and Nigeria, has voiced strong criticism of the decision to postpone the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon), while maintaining hope for the future of women's football in Africa.
Nnadozie's Frustration with Wafcon Delay
Nnadozie and her Nigeria teammates were preparing to defend their title in Morocco when the Confederation of African Football (Caf) postponed the tournament from March-April to July-August. 'We, the players, are not happy about it,' she said bluntly. 'We don't know the reason behind it … we were all prepared. We left our clubs, hoping to go to the Wafcon. I know the fans are angry, the people are angry. It's frustrating for me too because some of my family members already got their tickets, some had already applied for a visa.'
A Storied Career
At 25, Nnadozie has already cemented her place among African goalkeeping legends. She made her World Cup debut at 18, played in the 2023 tournament, and is the only goalkeeper to win Caf's Golden Gloves award three times consecutively in 2023, 2024, and 2025. 'I'm very surprised,' she said of the achievement. 'I never knew I was the only one, but it's a morale booster for me. People only see the success, but they don't see the hard work behind it.'
The Role of Music
Music and football are inseparable for Nnadozie, who serves as the Super Falcons' DJ. During last year's triumphant Wafcon campaign, she carried a boombox into training grounds in Casablanca and Rabat, playing Afrobeat hits from Wizkid, Davido, Rema, and Burna Boy. 'If I'm not carrying that boombox, the players will beat me up,' she joked. 'It keeps us moving, it gives us the morale … I love to be happy. When I'm happy, you get the best of me. That boombox is like my happiness, you know? We lost the boombox in Morocco. We forgot it inside the bus when we were going to the airport. We have a new one now.'
Optimism for African Women's Football
Despite the setback, Nnadozie remains positive about the growth of women's football in Africa. The expanded 16-team Wafcon will feature debutants Malawi, who boast the Chawinga sisters, Tabitha and Tenwa, with Tabitha being the NWSL's most valuable player. 'Women's football [in Africa] is growing … [but] there's this thing they always used to say: the universe isn't on a budget. We can always ask for more,' Nnadozie said.
Life at Brighton
Nnadozie joined Brighton from Paris FC last summer, drawn by the coach's vision. 'I was convinced to join Brighton because of the way the coach spoke to me. The first time he saw me, he told me: 'I watch you a lot. I like your qualities, and we think we can use that in this team.' He explained how they want to work, how they work and what they want to achieve … that caught my attention.' She also appreciates the supportive environment. 'It's good to know that I have people here that always tell me: 'Chi, if you ever want to talk about anything, if you ever need to tell us anything, know it's an open place where you can come express yourself, express how you feel.''
Brighton currently sit sixth in the Women's Super League with three matches remaining, unlikely to secure a top-three finish and Champions League qualification. However, a stunning 3-2 win over league leaders Manchester City last Saturday has boosted morale. 'We know we need to work harder, but we'll get there,' Nnadozie said. 'I believe in my teammates – each and every one of them.'
