Nigeria Players Abroad
WSL: Dairo Vidosic hails Chiamaka Nnadozie’s commanding debut for Brighton
By Oluwadamilola Olaleye
Brighton & Hove Albion head coach Dario Vidosic has praised Chiamaka Nnadozie following her assured debut in the Women’s Super League (WSL), where the Nigerian goalkeeper kept a clean sheet in a hard-fought stalemate against Aston Villa.
Nnadozie, fresh from an outstanding campaign with the Super Falcons at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), was one of Brighton’s standout performers, displaying composure and leadership to marshal her defence against a lively Villa attack.
The 23-year-old, who joined Brighton from Paris FC, made history as the first Nigerian to feature in the WSL, and the first to keep a clean sheet on her debut.
Vidosic expressed his delight at the impact of his new signings, singling out Nnadozie for her seamless adaptation and calm authority between the posts.
“Chia didn’t have to make any massive saves, but she commanded her area well and the players in front of her protected her very well,” Vidosic said.
“Overall, I think we would’ve liked to have controlled the game a lot more, but in that first half I thought we had opportunities.
“We were maybe a bit too safe at times, but once we settled it down we looked a lot better in possession, kept it for longer periods, and then it was again just maybe down to decision-making. There was a lot to learn but also a lot of good things.”
Vidosic also praised fellow debutant Moeka Minami for her defensive solidity, while highlighting the impressive performance of Charlie Rule, who returned to the starting lineup after a lengthy injury layoff.
Nnadozie has quickly settled into life in England, and Brighton see her as a key figure in their push for a strong finish in the WSL this season.
