Nigeria goalkeeper says he could have signed for Man United and Lyon, revealing emotional ties.

Nigeria international goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie said she once felt a strong emotional connection to both Manchester United and Lyon before ultimately choosing to sign for Brighton & Hove Albion, according to Afrik‑Foot.

The Super Falcons star completed her move to Brighton on 1 July 2025 after her contract with French club Paris FC expired. The transfer marked a significant step in her career, as she joined the Barclays Women’s Super League after a successful five‑year spell in France.

Nnadozie signed a four‑year contract with Brighton and quickly became a key player during the 2025‑26 season. The 25‑year‑old established herself as the club’s undisputed first‑choice goalkeeper and played a pivotal role in Brighton’s impressive performances in both league and cup competitions.

Her arrival brought immediate stability to the Seagulls’ defence, with the Nigerian producing several match‑winning displays throughout the campaign. She also helped the team reach the Adobe Women’s FA Cup final at Wembley, a highlight of the club’s memorable season.

Football – FA Womens Super League – Brighton & Hove Albion FC Women v Liverpool FC Women CRAWLEY, ENGLAND – Sunday, March 22, 2026: Brighton & Hove Albion’s goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie during the FA Womens Super League match between Brighton & Hove Albion FC Women and Liverpool FC Women at Broadfield Stadium. The game ended in a goalless draw. Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda CRAWLEY Broadfield Stadium WEST SUSSEX ENGLAND PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxUK Copyright: xPropagandax 2026-03-22-223-Brighton_W_Liverpool_W

Before moving to England, Nnadozie had already earned a strong reputation in European football during her time at Paris FC. She won the D1 Arkema Goalkeeper of the Season award and became known for saving seven penalties in a single European campaign.

Although she ultimately chose Brighton, the Nigerian admitted she grew up surrounded by Manchester United supporters and also developed a deep admiration for Lyon’s dominant women’s team.

“When I was growing up, I saw everyone wearing that (Manchester) United shirt – my whole family,” Nnadozie told the FA.

“But the team I supported was Lyon, because I used to watch their women’s team a lot. I played against them in France, which was amazing and actually I could have signed for them but chose to come to Brighton instead. That’s a decision I’ve never regretted.”

Football – 2025 / 2026 Adobe Women’s FA Cup – Quarter‑Final: Arsenal vs. Brighton & Hove Albion – Mangata Devlopments Stadium, Meadow Park, Borehamwood – Sunday 5th April 2026 Goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie, Moeka Minami and Maelys Mpome of Brighton celebrate at the final whistle PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxUK

Nnadozie, Nigeria’s award‑winning goalie

Nnadozie also shared the unusual story behind her journey into goalkeeping, revealing that she did not originally start her football career as a goalkeeper.

The award‑winning Nigeria international explained that she was first an outfield player before an unexpected incident changed everything in 2012.

“I wasn’t a goalkeeper from the beginning – I was an outfield player,” she said.

“I started goalkeeping in 2012. One day our goalkeeper got injured and she was the only keeper who came for the game. I said I could help. The coach said, have you ever been in goal before? I said yes, in the village, playing with my brothers and cousins. When the tackles got rough I would just go in goal. And that was how it started. Before I knew it I was in the under‑17 national team – after that, it was too late to go back.”

That unexpected decision eventually transformed her into one of the best goalkeepers in women’s football.

Liverpool Women v Brighton & Hove Albion Women, St Helens, UK – 10 May 2026 Chiamaka Nnadozie Goalkeeper of Brighton and Hove Albion during the Womens FA Cup Semi Final match between Liverpool Women and Brighton & Hove Albion Women at The Brewdog Stadium on 10 May 2026 in St Helens, England Photo by Steve Taylor/PPAUK St Helens The Brewdog Stadium Merseyside England Copyright: xStevexTaylor/PPAUKx PPA-273596

During her debut WSL season with Brighton, Nnadozie made 19 league starts and played 1,710 minutes. She kept six clean sheets, ranking among the top goalkeepers in the division, while maintaining a save percentage close to 75 percent.

Her performances in big matches particularly attracted attention across England. In April 2026, she delivered a Player of the Match display against Arsenal in the FA Cup quarter‑finals, making three crucial point‑blank saves as Brighton secured a 2‑0 victory.

She also played a decisive role in Brighton’s dramatic 3‑2 win over Manchester City and their 1‑1 draw against Arsenal later in the season, producing several high‑pressure saves to protect important results.

Beyond her performances on the pitch, Brighton teammates and supporters have praised her leadership qualities and positive personality inside the dressing room. Coaches at the club have also highlighted how quickly she adapted to the physical demands of English football.

Fans have equally embraced the Nigerian star for bringing energy, music, dancing and what many supporters described as “Nigerian vibes” to the club during a historic campaign for Brighton.