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WOMEN'S FOOTBALL

Chiamaka Nnadozie “Defending the legacy of the Super Falcons is a tremendous honour”

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  • As the goalkeeper for the Super Falcons, Chiamaka Nnadozie heads into the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) with a clear mission to reclaim the title lost in Morocco in 2022
  • Named Africa’s Best Goalkeeper two years in a row, “Safe Hands” has established herself as one of the standout figures in women’s football on the continent
  • At just 24, she embodies the perfect balance of authority, calmness, and ambition. A commanding presence, a reassuring pair of gloves, and a promise: to lead Nigeria back to the top of African football

Some goalkeepers save shots. Others change the fate of an entire team. Chiamaka Nnadozie belongs firmly to the latter group. At just 24, the woman affectionately dubbed “Safe Hands” by Nigerians has become far more than the last line of defence she’s a symbol of African women’s football. A calming force amidst chaos. A goalkeeper who inspires confidence, who leads, and who wins.

Her aura grew even stronger in May last year. On that day, in Orléans, she made history with Paris FC by helping the club lift its first ever Coupe de France against Paris Saint-Germain (0–0; 5–4 on penalties). Two penalties saved in the final. A decisive stop at the very end. An unforgettable performance. This came just weeks after being named Africa’s Best Goalkeeper at the CAF Awards for the second year running. A well-deserved accolade for a player constantly pushing the limits.

But it’s with the national team that her impact feels most profound. During the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, she changed the course of a crucial match. Nigeria was up against Olympic champions Canada. Midway through the game, a penalty was awarded. Christine Sinclair a living legend stepped up. Nnadozie stood tall. She dived and saved the shot. In that moment, the world saw what Africa already knew: Nigeria had a world-class goalkeeper.

Yet for her, the story remains unfinished. In 2022, in Morocco, the Super Falcons’ continental dominance wavered. They were knocked out in the semi-finals by the hosts after a heart-breaking penalty shoot-out. A title they expected to defend slipped through their fingers. That loss still lingers with Chiamaka. Today, she speaks of it with renewed determination: “This 2024 AFCON isn’t just another tournament. It’s a mission to reclaim what’s ours,” she says, eyes fixed on the prize.

Her journey commands respect. In 2019, she became the youngest goalkeeper to play at a World Cup, at just 18. Four years later, she’s captain. And that armband isn’t just symbolic she wears it with pride and responsibility. She knows the weight of the shirt she wears; the legacy the Super Falcons have built before her. And she wants to add her own chapter to that legacy.

As the 2024 TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations approaches, Chiamaka Nnadozie has never seemed more ready. Ready to defend. Ready to lead. Ready to win. At 24, she no longer plays just for herself she plays for a collective redemption, for a generation determined to write its own story. She doesn’t just want to participate in this tournament. She wants to leave her mark on it. Gloves laced. Eyes focused. Ambitions high.

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CAFOnline.com: Nigeria is in Group B alongside Tunisia, Algeria, and Botswana. What’s your take on this group?

Chiamaka Nnadozie: People might think it’s a manageable group, but the reality is very different. Women’s football has made huge strides in recent years. Every team is improving, working hard, and investing in development. We saw it in the last AFCON, where many of the favourites were shaken. No one can be underestimated anymore. This group is tricky, and we have to treat it with the seriousness it deserves. Qualification won’t be handed to us we’ll need to earn it through hard work and discipline.

At the last edition, Nigeria lost the title in the semi-final against Morocco. How did that elimination affect you?

It was incredibly tough to accept. We really wanted to defend our crown, but football can be like that some days, things just don’t go your way. That match against Morocco, we lost partly because the opposition had a well-executed strategy. It’s not that Nigeria is weaker it’s that other nations now see us as the team to beat. They prepare accordingly. That forces us to stay humble and to keep raising our level.

With 11 titles, Nigeria is the most successful team in WAFCON history. Do you feel the weight of that legacy?

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Absolutely. Wearing the Super Falcons jersey means carrying a legacy. It means playing for the generations before us who won everything. The spotlight is always on us. When another team loses, it’s not a big deal. When Nigeria loses, it feels like a national crisis! But we must keep calm. We’re athletes we make mistakes too. The key is to turn that pressure into positive energy and motivation. Our goal is clear: to go all the way, but with focus and intelligence.

What does it mean to you to defend the legacy of the Super Falcons?

It’s a huge honour. When I think about the great goalkeepers and players who came before me, I feel both gratitude and responsibility. They paved the way. Now it’s up to us to continue that excellence. I rely on two core values: discipline and humility. Those are my foundations. I try to stay focused on my role and the team. The rest will be shown in the results.

This will be your third AFCON. What does this tournament mean to you?


To me, AFCON holds the same weight as a World Cup. The atmosphere, the stakes, the intensity it’s all there. I remember the 2022 edition in Morocco: packed stadiums, incredible supporters. You feel lifted by an entire continent. And personally, I’ve never been the starting goalkeeper when we’ve won a title. This time, I want to lift that trophy from the pitch to play a real part in the victory.

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When did you realise that playing for Nigeria meant more than just wearing a jersey?

I remember it clearly. It was in 2018, during a match against France. It was my debut, and we lost 8–0. I was devastated. I cried after the match. But then I saw the messages the support, the encouragement, the feedback. Everyone was calling me a rising star. That’s when I realised playing for Nigeria means touching hearts. It’s not just about the match it’s a mission. That day, I understood the weight and the meaning of this jersey.

You’re now one of the team’s leaders. How do you handle that responsibility?

I take it very seriously. Being a leader isn’t just about performing on the pitch it’s about your presence in the dressing room, your attitude. I try to stay approachable, to support others, especially the younger players. I’m lucky to have a good support system, but I know the responsibility also falls on me. I stay grounded in my values. I believe in consistency and hard work. The spotlight shouldn’t distract us from what truly matters: growing every day.

How do you support the younger players joining the national team?

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I try to be there for them. I talk to them, explain that age doesn’t define your place in the team. Recently, one of them called me ahead of a tournament to ask for advice. That touched me. I remembered how the senior players welcomed me when I started. Now it’s my turn to pass that on. I want them to feel confident, to express themselves freely within the team.

What message do you want to send to young girls dreaming of becoming footballers?

Never let anyone dim your light. First, believe in yourself because if you don’t, no one else will. But most importantly, never stop learning. Talent alone isn’t enough. You have to study the game, watch, and question yourself. Even when you’re on the bench, observe and analyse. And always maintain a good attitude. Do the right thing even when no one’s watching. Because someone, somewhere, always is. 

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Kunle Solaja is the author of landmark books on sports and journalism as well as being a multiple award-winning journalist and editor of long standing. He is easily Nigeria’s foremost soccer diarist and Africa's most capped FIFA World Cup journalist, having attended all FIFA World Cup finals from Italia ’90 to Qatar 2022. He was honoured at the Qatar 2022 World Cup by FIFA and AIPS.

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WOMEN'S FOOTBALL

Spain thrash grieving Portugal 5-0 in Women’s Euro clash

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 UEFA Women's Euro 2025 - Group B - Spain v Portugal - Stadion Wankdorf, Bern, Switzerland - July 3, 2025 Portugal's Tatiana Pinto looks dejected after the match REUTERS/Denis Balibouse

Spain striker Esther Gonzalez scored twice in the first half as her side powered to a 5-0 win over Portugal at the Women’s Euros that was overshadowed by the deaths of Portugal international Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva in a car accident earlier on Thursday.

On an emotional night that began with a minute’s silence for the brothers, Portugal went behind almost immediately, Olga Carmona putting the ball over the top for Gonzalez to run on to and score in the second minute.

Mariona Caldentey did superbly to pull the ball across the box for Vicky Lopez to score the second goal five minutes later.

The Portuguese managed to steady the ship but they were rocked again four minutes before the break when Alexia Putellas took down another great pass from Caldentey on her chest before calmly cutting inside and firing home.

“I highlight our mindset, how we came out to play,” Putellas said. “We were really eager to get started but it’s only the first match.”

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There was more misery to come for Portugal before halftime as Gonzalez netted her second goal two minutes later, scoring from close range after Claudia Pina’s cross came back off the far post.

The world champions were delighted to be able to bring in Aitana Bonmati from the bench following her recent brush with viral meningitis, and the playmaker wasted no time getting into the thick of things, setting up a chance for Cristina Martin-Prieto.

“Aitana is a very important player for us. We are delighted that she is back and has overcome her illness. It is a joy,” Putellas said.

Portugal showed more composure in the second half but they were no match for Spain’s power, precision and technique and, though they held Spain at bay for most of the second half, Martin-Prieto scored with a superb late header to complete the rout.

“We conceded early goals and the team became anxious and unsettled,” said Portugal forward Diana Silva. “We couldn’t get hold of the ball and then it’s harder to chase the result. We were much better in the second half, more united. We didn’t allow Spain so much space to get in.

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“We believe until the end, our goal is to earn points until the end and everything is still up for grabs.”

Silva and her teammates remained on the pitch after the final whistle, posing in front of their fans with a huge black banner in memory of Jota.

Spain’s victory was their biggest in a European Championship, surpassing their 4-1 win over Finland in 2022, and was the ideal start for what the tournament favourites hope will be their first Women’s Euro title.

With Italy having defeated Belgium 1-0 earlier in the evening, Spain top the group with the Italians second. Spain take on the Belgians in their next game, while Portugal face Italy.

-Reuters

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FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2025: Morocco to Face Brazil in opening match

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The draw for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2025 was held on Wednesday in Rabat. It set the tone for a highly anticipated edition of the tournament.

The event will feature competitive groups. There will be a dazzling, historic opening match between the host nation and Brazil.

Hosts Morocco, Cameroon, Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, and Zambia will fly the African flag. This will occur during the 3-week tournament taking place between 17 October – 8 November.

As hosts of this eighth edition, Morocco have not been dealt an easy hand. Drawn into Group A alongside Brazil, Italy, and Costa Rica

The opening match is scheduled to take place in Rabat. It will see Morocco go head-to-head with a Brazilian side renowned for its strength at youth level.

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This high-profile fixture will be an important benchmark for Morocco. They can gauge how far they’ve come in their footballing development.

Cameroon to Tackle a Formidable Group B

Group B presents a stern test for Cameroon. They will face North Korea, Mexico, and the Netherlands.

This group showcases a compelling mix of footballing philosophies and playing styles. The Lionesses will need to combine tactical discipline with physical strength to compete effectively.

Cameroon have never advanced beyond the quarterfinals in this competition. Their U-17 side will be hoping to break new ground.

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Their recent success on the regional stage, particularly within the UNIFFAC zone, offers a solid foundation for optimism.

Nigeria Aim to Maintain Their Legacy

As one of the most successful African nations at youth level, Nigeria arrive with a proud legacy to uphold.

Drawn into Group D, the Super Flamingos will take on France, Canada, and Samoa. It’s a challenging group, but well within reach for a team known for its athletic prowess and technical quality.

The Nigerian class of 2025 is attracting a lot of attention. With the right momentum, they have the potential to reach the quarterfinals or even further. Their encounter with France could very well be the pivotal fixture of the group.

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Debut Challenge for Côte d’Ivoire

Côte d’Ivoire will make their tournament debut in Group E, where they’ll face Spain, Colombia, and South Korea. The Ivorians will need to demonstrate character and determination to compete at this level.

Their match against Spain, the runners-up in the previous edition, will be a formidable test. However, it’s not insurmountable. Should the Little Elephants manage to hold off the Spanish onslaught, an upset could be on the cards. Their attacking line known for its speed and unpredictability could be their biggest asset.

Zambia Ready to Make a Statement in Group F

In Group F, Zambia is set to face Japan, New Zealand, and Paraguay. Though less experienced than their opponents, the U-17 Copper Princesses arrive with a clear goal: to surpass the performance of previous African teams at this stage of the tournament.

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It’s a demanding draw, particularly against a Japanese side famed for its collective organisation and fluidity.

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Finland mistakenly call up 51-year-old for international duty

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Finnish national coach accidentally calls up long-retired 51-year-old former soccer player

Finland women’s national team manager has apologised for mistakenly calling up a long-retired 51-year-old for this week’s game against Serbia.

When submitting the lineup, manager Outi Saarinen mistakenly entered former player Stina Ruuskanen instead of 23-year-old Djurgarden defender Nanne Ruuskanen.

The error was not discovered until past deadline.

Ruuskanen, who received her call-up 29 years after playing two senior internationals for Finland, took the mix-up in good humour.

“I’m definitely ready if the call comes! Just yesterday I was playing in a hobby league match … so my game feel is good,” she told the Finnish newspaper Ilta-Sanomat.

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The younger Ruuskanen, who is no relation, was unable to take part in the Nations League match, a 1-1 draw in Helsinki on Tuesday.

“Nanne was, of course, disappointed but took the news very well considering the circumstances,” Saarinen said in a statement from the Finnish Football Association.

“I am very sorry for the mistake.”

-Reuters

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