Nigeria’s preparations for the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) took a major hit over the weekend. First-choice goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie suffered an injury during Paris FC’s dominant 4–0 victory over Fleury 91 in the French Première Ligue.
The 24-year-old was forced off in the 79th minute after a rough challenge by Fleury defender Inès Konan. The tackle left Nnadozie visibly in pain. Despite the severity of the contact, Konan received only a yellow card. Medical personnel had to stretcher Nnadozie off the field, and French goalkeeper Inès Marques came on as her replacement.
Before the incident, Nnadozie had kept her 11th clean sheet in what was her 18th league appearance this season. Her form has been key to Paris FC’s strong campaign, and her absence raises immediate concerns for both club and country.
The timing of the injury is especially troubling for Nigeria. With the WAFCON kicking off on July 5 in Morocco, head coach Justin Madugu faces an anxious wait. Nnadozie’s role in the team is vital, and the Super Falcons will hope the injury is not as serious as feared.
Paris FC Celebrate Victory, But Eyes Remain on Nnadozie’s Recovery
Paris FC had already put the match beyond Fleury’s reach before their goalkeeper’s injury. Clara Matéo led the charge with a brace, while Kaja Korošec and Kessya Bussy added a goal each. The win marked Paris FC’s 13th league victory of the season, keeping them firmly in the hunt for silverware.
Next up is a major test, the Coupe de France Féminine final against city rivals Paris Saint-Germain on May 3 in Calais. The club has not yet released an official update on Nnadozie’s condition, but her availability for the final is now in doubt.
For Nigeria, Nnadozie’s fitness will remain under close watch. The Super Falcons are drawn in Group B alongside Tunisia, Algeria, and Botswana. As they aim for a record-extending 12th African title, they’ll need their defensive anchor fully fit.
Nnadozie was part of the squad that lifted the trophy in 2018. In 2022, however, Nigeria lost the title to South Africa, a result the team hopes to reverse this year.
A Silver Lining Amid the Setback
Despite the injury, Nnadozie continues to earn recognition. She has once again been nominated for the D1 Arkema Goalkeeper of the Season award, an honour she won in 2023. Last year, she beat top contenders such as Reims’ Kinga Szemik, Lyon’s Christiane Endler, and PSG’s Constance Picaud.
This season, Nnadozie is in the running alongside Endler and England’s Mary Earps, who now plays for PSG. With 11 clean sheets, she trails only Endler, who leads the league with 13.
In addition to her league honours, Nnadozie was named CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year in December, for the second time. She remains the only Nigerian and Paris FC player to earn a spot in the league’s Team of the Year.
Her injury has sent shockwaves through Nigerian football, but her performances continue to inspire hope. Whether she returns in time for WAFCON or not, her impact on the team is already deeply felt.
