The occasion was a 2019 Women’s World Cup match involving Nigeria and South Korea. Minute 17, the Koreans break quickly after a brilliant interchange of passes in midfield. Rita Chikwelu, the Nigerian midfield bulldozer, is left for dead as the Asians race through the byline and into the penalty area. The ball gets to forward Lee Geum-min, who sees an opening before taking a shot. It doesn’t worry Chiamaka Nnadozie in the slightest. The Super Falcons’ keeper adjusts her body to make a comfortable save.
Nnadozie went on to keep a clean sheet. It ensured Nigeria a 2-0 victory. At only 18, she had made history on her World Cup debut. No younger shot-stopper has ever managed a shutout on the biggest stage.
For ardent followers of the Super Falcons, it was glaring there was a lacuna in goal during their opening group game against Norway. The African Champions got soundly beaten 3-0. Nigeria’s first choice keeper, Tochukwu Oluehi didn’t inspire much confidence. It forced the coach’s hand. Thomas Dennerby turned to Nnadozie, offering her an opportunity to seize the moment. The youngster accepted the challenge enthusiastically.
Another defining moment for Nnadozie came three days ago, in the final group game against France. With a fully-packed Roazhon Park the setting, she dared to defy the deafening home crowd. Les Bleues’ scary firepower had little in way of an answer.
Nnadozie went 78 minutes without conceding. Heartbreak was just around the corner, though. Her efforts in forcing Wendie Renard to miss a penalty proved futile. VAR caught she’d stepped off her line early. The Referee demanded a retake. The teenager’s forgivable mistake was duly punished.
Following that 1-0 defeat, Nigeria’s place in the World Cup last 16 is uncertain. Whatever their outcome, Nnadozie has proven herself legendary during this tournament.
