“I could’ve signed for them” – Nigeria GK reveals emotional links to Man United, Lyon

Nigeria international goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie has revealed that she once had strong emotional ties to both Manchester United and Lyon before eventually deciding to join Brighton & Hove Albion, Afrik-Foot reports.

The Super Falcons star completed her move to Brighton on July 1, 2025, after leaving French club Paris FC at the end of her contract. The transfer was a major step in her career as she moved to the Barclays Women’s Super League following an impressive five-year spell in France.

Nnadozie signed a four-year deal with Brighton and quickly became one of the club’s most important players during the 2025-26 season. The 25-year-old established herself as the undisputed first-choice goalkeeper and played a leading role in Brighton’s remarkable rise in both league and cup competitions.

Her arrival brought immediate stability to Brighton’s defence, with the Nigerian producing several match-winning displays throughout the campaign. She also helped the Seagulls reach the Adobe Women’s FA Cup final at Wembley in what became one of the club’s most memorable seasons.

Before arriving in England, Nnadozie had already built a huge reputation in European football during her time at Paris FC. She won the D1 Arkema Goalkeeper of the Season award and became famous for saving seven penalties in a single European campaign.

Despite eventually choosing 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.”

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.

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 famous 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.