Nigeria’s preparations for the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations have been rocked by a potentially serious injury to star goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, just weeks before the tournament kicks off in Morocco.
The 24-year-old was forced off the field in the 79th minute of Paris FC’s dominant 4–0 victory over Fleury 91 in the French Première Ligue after a heavy challenge from Ivorian forward Inès Konan. The incident, which saw Nnadozie stretchered off in visible pain, only drew a yellow card from the referee — a decision that may raise eyebrows given the severity of the collision.
Nnadozie, had to be replaced by French shot-stopper Inès Marques following several minutes of on-field treatment. The full extent of her injury is yet to be revealed by Paris FC, but the timing could not be more concerning for the Super Falcons.
With the WAFCON tournament set to begin on July 5, head coach Justin Madugu is now facing an uneasy wait as medical assessments will determine whether one of his most influential players will be fit in time. Nnadozie’s presence between the sticks has been crucial to Nigeria’s hopes of reclaiming the continental crown they last won in 2018.
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Before the injury, Nnadozie had continued her excellent form in France, notching her 18th league appearance of the season and securing an impressive 11th clean sheet. Paris FC had already put the result beyond doubt before her substitution, with goals from Clara Matéo (2), Kaja Korošec, and Kessya Bussy ensuring their 13th win of the campaign.
The victory keeps Paris FC in the hunt for more silverware, with a Coupe de France Féminine final against Paris Saint-Germain scheduled for May 3 at the Stade de l’Epopée in Calais. The club will be hoping for a swift recovery for their first-choice goal keeper, who will be desperate not to miss the high-stakes derby.
From a national team perspective, the injury couldn’t have come at a worse moment. Nnadozie has grown into a commanding presence for the Super Falcons, and her leadership and shot-stopping abilities are expected to play a vital role as Nigeria targets a record-extending 12th African title.
The Super Falcons have been drawn in Group B at WAFCON, where they will face Tunisia, Algeria, and Botswana. With defending champions South Africa also in the mix, Nigeria’s path to redemption following their 2022 title loss is far from straightforward.
Nnadozie, a member of the triumphant 2018 squad, will be hoping her latest injury scare doesn’t keep her from leading the charge in Morocco. For now, both Paris FC and the Super Falcons will anxiously await the next medical result
(Editor: Paul Akhagbemhe)
