Injury Scare for Nigeria as Star Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie Stretchered Off Weeks Before WAFCON
Nigeria’s preparations for the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) have suffered a major blow following a potentially serious injury to star goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, just weeks before the tournament begins in Morocco.
The 24-year-old was stretchered off in the 79th minute during Paris FC’s emphatic 4–0 victory over Fleury 91 in the French Première Ligue after a heavy collision with Ivorian forward Inès Konan. Despite the severity of the incident, which left Nnadozie visibly in pain, the referee only issued a yellow card — a decision likely to spark debate given the force of the challenge.
Nnadozie, a consistent standout for both club and country, was replaced by French goalkeeper Inès Marques after several minutes of medical attention on the field. Paris FC has yet to disclose the full extent of her injury, but with the WAFCON set to kick off on July 5, the timing is deeply concerning for Nigeria and Super Falcons head coach Justin Madugu.
A commanding figure in goal, Nnadozie has been pivotal to Nigeria’s ambitions of regaining the continental title they last won in 2018. Her form this season in France has been stellar — she recorded her 18th league appearance and secured her 11th clean sheet of the campaign before the injury occurred.
Paris FC had already sealed the win by the time Nnadozie left the pitch, thanks to goals from Clara Matéo (2), Kaja Korošec, and Kessya Bussy. The result keeps them firmly in contention for domestic silverware, with a Coupe de France Féminine final against rivals Paris Saint-Germain scheduled for May 3 in Calais. The club is now hoping for a swift recovery for their first-choice keeper, who will be eager not to miss the highly anticipated showdown.
From a national team standpoint, the timing of the injury couldn’t be worse. Nnadozie’s leadership and shot-stopping abilities have made her a cornerstone of the Super Falcons squad, and her absence would significantly impact Nigeria’s chances of clinching a record-extending 12th African title.
Drawn in Group B for the 2024 WAFCON, Nigeria will face Tunisia, Algeria, and Botswana — a group that presents no easy fixtures. With defending champions South Africa also in the tournament, Nigeria’s quest for redemption after their 2022 disappointment will demand full strength and focus.
Nnadozie, who was part of the victorious 2018 WAFCON squad, will be hoping her latest setback is not a tournament-ending one. Until a medical update is released, both Paris FC and the Super Falcons will be left waiting anxiously.
