Chiamaka Nnadozie tops WSL saves chart with 22 stops, earns PFA Fans’ Player of the Month nomination in stellar debut season at Brighton

Chiamaka Nnadozie WSL saves leader — the Super Falcons goalkeeper continues to impress in her debut season in England after rising to the top of the Women’s Super League saves chart and earning a PFA Fans’ Player of the Month nomination for September.

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Nnadozie, who joined Brighton & Hove Albion from Paris FC during the summer, has made a remarkable start, registering 22 saves in five matches — the highest in the league so far.

She narrowly leads Leicester City’s Janina Leitzig (21 saves) and Elene Lete of London City Lionesses (19).

Her performances between the posts have helped Brighton to a strong start, with the club currently sixth in the WSL.

Her efforts have not gone unnoticed. The 24-year-old Nigerian has been shortlisted for the PFA WSL Fans’ Player of the Month for September.

She joins an elite list including Chelsea’s Aggie Beever-Jones, Arsenal’s Alessia Russo, and Manchester City’s Bunny Shaw.

Across September, Nnadozie made 16 crucial saves in four league fixtures, including a clean sheet on her debut against Aston Villa and standout stops in the 2–2 draw with Manchester City.

She added six more saves in Brighton’s narrow 1–0 defeat to Spurs on Sunday, denying Cathinka Tandberg, Bethany England, and others, though she couldn’t prevent Tandberg’s first-half strike.

This latest recognition comes after a milestone year for Nnadozie. She won the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) with Nigeria and was named Goalkeeper of the Tournament.

She also became the first African goalkeeper nominated for the Women’s Yashin Trophy at the Ballon d’Or ceremony, where she finished fourth.

Her presence in the WSL represents a new chapter for African women’s football, with Nnadozie seen by many as Africa’s number one shot-stopper.

Despite her success, Nnadozie has opened up about the personal challenges of adapting to life in England.

In a short film by Nike and VERSUS, she revealed the emotional toll of moving away from home.

“Every day I cry because I feel lonely. I miss my family, my teammates, and coaches,” she said.

She praised Brighton’s coaching staff and players for offering crucial support, highlighting the team’s unity as key to her adjustment.

“Having people who really care about you has helped me a lot,” she added.

Brighton manager Dario Vidosic praised her professionalism, calling her Ballon d’Or recognition a “fantastic achievement” for both the player and the club.

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“We are all really proud of her. It’s a fantastic achievement to be recognised for one of the most prestigious awards in football,” he said.

Chiamaka Nnadozie