Chiamaka Nnadozie, goalkeeper for the Super Falcons of Nigeria, is setting her sights on qualifying for the Paris 2024 Olympics in France by overcoming reigning African champions South Africa in a two-legged tie.
Following her impressive performance at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023, where she captained Nigeria to the round of 16, Nnadozie is determined to lead her team to the Olympics.
Residing in the City of Lights since 2020 and representing Paris FCS, Nnadozie sees the Olympic celebration as an opportunity to shine in her “second home.”
“I read so many things about the Olympics,” she said. “We didn’t manage to qualify in 2020, I felt bad at first then I said to myself, ‘Come on, you have time ahead of you’”.
“And that it’s another great opportunity to qualify. I want to know what it feels like to participate in the Olympic Games.”
Nigeria’s last Olympic participation was in 2008, with goalkeeper Toby Oluechi leading the charge.
Arriving in Paris in February 2020, Nnadozie wasted no time making her mark. “She’s one of the best goalkeepers of her generation,” said Sandrine Soubeyrand, her coach at Paris FCS.
Nnadozie was twice nominated for the UNFP Best Goalkeeper Award and later crowned the best women’s goalkeeper at the CAF Awards. For Nnadozie, the Paris 2024 Olympics hold immense significance.
Nigeria will face South Africa on April 5th (first leg) and 9th (second leg) for a chance to secure a spot at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.