The Trumpet Newspaper Issue 537 (January 27 - February 9 2021)

Page16 TheTrumpet JANUARY 27 - FEBRUARY 9 2020
Sport
Nigeria’s Nnadozie looking out for
number one
By FIFA.com
Once again, Nigeria are set to
finish the year as the
leading African team in the
FIFA/Coca-Cola Women’s World
Ranking. Positioned 38th overall,
the Super Falcons are currently
soaring 13 places higher than closest
rivals Cameroon – a domination
they have maintained since the
rankings were first launched 17
years ago.
“It’s difficult to get to the top, but
it’s just as complicated to stay
there,” says Nigeria goalkeeper
Chiamaka Nnadozie, explaining the
challenge facing her side to
FIFA.com. “You become the team
to beat, the one everybody wants to
knock off the throne. For us, we owe
it to ourselves to stay at the top. That
means never taking our dominant
position for granted, and obviously
never stopping working hard.”
Nnadozie has good reason to
remain prudent. No African side
reached further than Nigeria at the
FIFA Women’s World Cup France
2019, but after their Round of 16
exit, they then failed to qualify for
the Women’s Olympic Football
Chiamaka Nnadozie - Staying calm
Chiamaka Nnadozie
Tournament at Tokyo 2020. Their
hopes were ultimately dashed by
Côte d’Ivoire, who edged through
despite being unable to beat the
Super Falcons in a pair of draws (0-
0, 1-1). “It happens,” says
Nnadozie. “We know that the level
of competition keeps getting
tougher, but we won’t let up.”
The youngster is clearly blessed
with a strong character. She needs it
too, given the importance of her role
in the team at just 19 years of age.
“I’d be lying to you if I said there’s
no pressure,” she adds. “I have a lot
of it, but I’ve learned how to deal
with it. The key is to stay calm and
keep your composure. You need to
keep a cool head whatever happens
and never panic. Staying calm
allows you to get out of any
situation.”
Her predictions for The Best
FIFA Men’s and Women’s
Goalkeepers
“For the men’s award, I’m a huge
fan of Manuel Neuer, so he’s my
favourite. For the women, in my
opinion it comes down to a duel
between Sarah Bouhaddi and Alyssa
Naeher. I don’t have a preference,
but for me those two are the best
women’s goalkeepers in the world.”
Already an impressive CV
That approach has served her
well so far, Nnadozie having first
announced her talent at the FIFA U-
20 Women’s World Cup France
2018. She then followed that up
with convincing performances at
France 2019 and even set a new
record, becoming the youngest
goalkeeper to keep a clean sheet at a
Women’s World Cup when she
helped Nigeria defeat Korea
Republic 2-0 at the age of 18 and
186 days.
“That was something that meant
a lot to me,” says Nnadozie. “Before
that, I didn’t even think I’d make it
into the squad of 23 players. So, to
take part in that World Cup, to play
and then to keep a clean sheet… it
was one dream coming true after
another. It looks great on a CV! And
it gives me encouragement. It makes
me want to go even further.”
In the meantime, Nnadozie’s
ability has already taken her back to
France, where she is getting to grips
with the French top flight – “a
tough, competitive championship
that’s undoubtedly one of the best in
the world”. Wearing the gloves for
Paris FC, the teenager is now
enjoying life in the capital. “Paris is
extraordinary,” she says. “Of course,
I’ve explored its streets, the Eiffel
Tower, the Arc de Triomphe. I’m
very happy to be living here.”
The only down side is being so
far from her family, though that too
is a challenge Nnadozie has taken in
her stride. “It’s very difficult, but
that’s just part of my job. I have to
concentrate on my future.” Indeed,
and not least since she herself
represents the future of the Super
Falcons.
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