CENTER BACK: CHIAMAKA NNADOZIE (NIGERIA)
Club Teammates at the Olympics:
Julie Dufour (FW) - France
CHIAMAKA NNADOZIE
REPRESENTING COUNTRY: Nigeria
POSITION: Goalkeeper
AGE: 23
CLUB: Paris FC
CAPS: 22
HONORS: Player of the Match in Women's World Cup (2023), Youngest goakeeper to keep a clean sheet at the World Cup (2019), Player of the Match in U-20 Women's World Cup (2018)
PERSONAL OLYMPICS HISTORY: Nnadozie has not been to the Olympics.
BACKGROUND ON NIGERIA'S TEAM: The Nigerian Women's National Team is the 36th ranked team internationally. This summer's Olympics will be their first appearance since 2008 after failing to qualify for the past 16 years. They were one of the last teams to qualify for the Olympics after finishing at the top of an African qualifying tournament with Zambia. In the 2023 Women's World Cup, Nigeria faced England in the knockout stage, adding fire to a colonial subplot observed by fans. Unfortunately, they lost 0-0 in PKs, but a win would have made the Super Falcons the first African team to progress past the round of 16. The Nigerian team has been outspoken in recent years over unpaid wages which they have protested with match boycotts or hotel sit-ins. This summer, we look forward to seeing how the unbeatable athleticism, speed, and inspiring spirit of this team can bring about change in their federation and home country.
Why we picked her:
Chiamaka Nnadozie is our goalkeeper pick for the our Olympic Dream Team because she is an young, up-and-coming goalkeeper who continues to make a difference in big moments for both club and country. Nnadozie was called up to the senior national team in 2019 shortly before the Women's World Cup where she served as the starting keeper. She assisted the Super Falcons in winning gold at the 2019 African Games with a career-defining 3 saves in a penalty shootout against Cameroon at 19 years-old.
Since her initial callup, Nnadozie has exhibited a confidence and command from a young age. Nnadozie grew up in a family full of men where her dreams of playing professional soccer were not met with encouragement. She recounts going to her aunt's house so that she can play without being reprimanded. She officially went pro in 2016 and later signed with Paris FC in 2020. In one of the most difficult roles on the field, Nnadozie can effortlessly find a peace and calmness, dissipating any pressure she may feel from her teammates on and off the bench. Nnadozie's role this summer will require her to be a rock who is assured of her ability. But, if her track record holds true, there is no doubt she will step up to the plate.