WOMEN'S FOOTBALL
Chiamaka Nnadozie “Defending the legacy of the Super Falcons is a tremendous honour”
- 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.
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?
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.
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?
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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WOMEN'S FOOTBALL
Iranian women’s soccer squad member changes mind on Australia asylum offer, to return home
Australian police helped two more members of the Iranian women’s soccer delegation slip their minders to claim asylum, but one has changed her mind and decided to go back to Iran, the country’s interior minister said on Wednesday.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke announced in parliament the squad member’s decision to return home, after five players from the team were granted asylum a day earlier.
A player and a support staff member accepted the government’s open offer of aid on Tuesday evening.
“One of the two who had made the decision to stay last night had spoken to some of the teammates who had left, and had changed her mind,” Burke told parliament.
“In Australia, people are able to change their mind, people are able to travel. And so, we respect the context in which she has made that decision.”
It was not immediately clear who had decided to return to Iran.
Burke said the rest of the players have been moved to a safe location after the member contacted the Iranian embassy, giving away their location
Concerns about the players’ safety grew after Iranian state television labelled the team “wartime traitors” for refusing to sing the national anthem during the women’s Asian Cup match in Australia earlier this month.
The two additional members of the delegation – 21-year-old striker Mohaddeseh Zolfi and support staffer Zahra Soltan Moshkehkar – were removed from the rest of the team with the aid of Australian Federal Police before they boarded a domestic flight to Sydney.
Before leaving the country, Australian officials separated the remaining team from their Iranian minders at Sydney airport and informed them of their options before they flew out of Australia. All those that made it to the airport elected to return to Iran.
“What we made sure of was that there was no rushing, there was no pressure. Everything was about ensuring the dignity for those individuals to make a choice,” Burke said during a media briefing in Canberra.
FEAR FOR FAMILIES
Burke said some players had asked him about the possibility of aiding their family members leave Iran.
“Obviously, when people are permanent residents, there are rights that they have in terms of sponsoring other family members. But all of it only becomes relevant if people can get out of Iran in the first place,” he said.
Some discussed their options with family but declined the offer to remain in Australia. The team has since reached Kuala Lumpur on their way to Iran.
The Iranian team’s campaign in the tournament started just as the U.S. and Israel launched air strikes on Iran, killing the Islamic Republic’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. They were eliminated from the tournament on Sunday.
A group of Iranians living in Australia gathered to protest against the Iranian government and surrounded the players’ bus in Gold Coast when they left the hotel for the airport.
Many also turned up at the Sydney airport on Tuesday evening while they were being transferred to the international terminal, television footage showed.
The office of Iran’s general prosecutor said on Tuesday the remaining members of the team were invited back to the country “with peace and confidence,” Iranian media reported.
-Reuters
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- * Five players sought asylum after being called ‘wartime traitors’
- * Australian Federal Police moved players to a safe location
- *Asylum offer remains open for other squad members
Australian police extracted five Iranian women soccer players from the team’s hotel before they were granted asylum, the interior minister said on Tuesday, as details of their escape from Iranian government minders emerged.
The five players, including team captain Zahra Ghanbari, sought protection after the team were branded “wartime traitors” for refusing to sing their national anthem before an Asian Cup match.
Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong, Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Minister for Climate Change Chris Bowen attend a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, March 10, 2026. AAP Image/Mick Tsikas/via REUTERS
The team’s Asian Cup campaign began as the U.S. and Israel launched air strikes on Iran and Australian media reported the team had been accompanied by Iranian government officials who were controlling their movements.
Conversations with the players about seeking asylum had been ongoing for several days, Interior Minister Tony Burke told a press conference as he confirmed the women had been granted asylum in Australia.
The players granted asylum were Ghanbari, Zahra Sarbali Alishah, Mona Hamoudi and Atefeh Ramezanizadeh – all in their early 30s – as well as 21-year-old Fatemeh Pasandideh.
MOVED TO SAFETY
The five players were moved to a safe location by the Australian Federal Police on Monday evening, where they remain under their protection, Burke said.
Even before their defection, Australia had deployed its own officers to protect the women.
“There’s been a good police presence at different points, and we just made sure that opportunity was there,” he said.
Once immigration officials completed the processing of the women’s humanitarian visas around 1:30 a.m. on Tuesday (1530 GMT Monday), celebrations broke out among those present.
“Once everything had been signed off last night, there were lots of photos, lots of celebrating, and then a spontaneous outcry of ‘Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, oi, oi, oi’,” Burke said.
“These women are great athletes, great people, and they’re going to feel very much at home in Australia.”
TEAMMATES
Four of the players are teammates at the Bam Khatoon club, which has won the Iranian women’s championship a record 11 times and is where Ghanbari also played until she moved to Persepolis for this season.
Captain Ghanbari was suspended for several days in 2024 after her hijab, the head covering that all Iranian women players must wear, slipped off during a goal celebration in an Asian Champions League fixture.
Iran players pose prior to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Group A match between Iran and the Philippines at Gold Coast Stadium on the Gold Coast, Australia, March 8, 2026. Dave Hunt/AAP Image/via REUTERS
The 33-year-old striker, Iran’s record international goalscorer in the women’s game, was allowed to return to play only after she and Bam Khatoon issued apologies.
Ghanbari’s head scarf also slipped off her head several times during Iran’s final Asian Cup match against the Philippines on Sunday, when defeat ended their participation in the tournament.
Burke said the offer of asylum remained open for the other 21 members of the squad who were still at the Gold Coast hotel, though he said it was likely some would return home to Iran.
“These women have been weighing up an incredibly difficult decision,” he said.
-Reuters
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The Iranian soccer team sang and saluted their national anthem ahead of their final Women’s Asian Cup match against the Philippines on Sunday, six days after their decision to remain silent saw them labelled “wartime traitors” on state TV back home.
The Iranians, whose situation had become a cause celebre among human rights campaigners, will play no further part in the tournament after a 2-0 loss to the Philippines at Gold Coast Stadium in the state of Queensland.
Iran coach Marziyeh Jafari told the post-match news conference that the team was keen to return home.
“We are very impatiently waiting to return,” she told reporters. “Personally, I would like to return to my country as soon as possible and be with my compatriots and family.”
Some fans, who had waved the pre-1979 Iranian flag and booed the national anthem inside the ground, tried to prevent the team coach from leaving the stadium precinct, chanting “Save our girls!”.
Reza Pahlavi, an American-based opposition activist and son of the Shah of Iran who was deposed in the 1979 revolution, called on the Australian government to ensure the team’s safety and give them any needed support.
‘ONGOING THREAT’
“The members of the Iranian Women’s National Football Team are under significant pressure and ongoing threat from the Islamic Republic,” he posted on social media platform X.
“As a result of their brave act of civil disobedience in refusing to sing the current regime’s national anthem, they face dire consequences should they return to Iran.”
The team’s campaign in Australia started last weekend just as the U.S. and Israel launched air strikes on their homeland, killing the Islamic Republic’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
The players declined to sing the anthem before their loss to South Korea in their tournament opener on March 2, a decision a commentator on Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting said showed a lack of patriotism and was the “pinnacle of dishonour”.
They did sing the anthem and saluted before their second defeat against the host nation on Thursday, sparking fears among Australian human rights campaigners that they had been coerced by government minders
A petition launched on Friday on the Change.org website urging Australia to give refuge to the team had gathered more than 51,000 signatures late on Sunday.
The petition called on Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke to ensure the team did not depart Australia “while credible fears for their safety remain”.
Burke declined to comment on the petition via a spokesperson. Foreign Minister Penny Wong said in televised remarks that she did not want to “get into commentary about the Iranian women’s team”.
“Obviously this is a regime that we know has brutally cracked down on its people,” she said.
Players union FIFPRO had previously called on the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and FIFA to uphold their human rights obligations and undertake all necessary steps to ensure the safety of Iran’s squad in the wake of the broadcast.
–Reuters
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