Nigeria’s Super Falcons goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie delivered yet another headline-grabbing performance as Brighton & Hove Albion Women booked a historic place in the Women’s FA Cup final for the first time in their history.
Brighton staged a stunning comeback to defeat Liverpool Women 3-2 in a pulsating semi-final clash at St Helens, overturning a two-goal deficit in dramatic fashion.
After the final whistle, Nnadozie summed up the emotion of the moment in a celebratory post that instantly went viral:
“We are going to Wembley. Straight into the FA Cup finals. Super proud of this team.”
“I give God the glory,”
The victory sends Brighton to Wembley Stadium on May 31, where they will face either Chelsea Women or Manchester City Women in what promises to be the biggest match in the club’s history.
From 2-0 Down to History Makers
The semi-final began disastrously for Brighton as Liverpool raced into an early lead.
Denise O’Sullivan opened the scoring in the 11th minute before Beata Olsson doubled the advantage in the 22nd minute, leaving Brighton staring at elimination, but the Seagulls refused to collapse.
Manuela Vanegas pulled one back in the 23rd minute to ignite hope before halftime.
The momentum carried into the second half, where Madison Haley equalised in the 54th minute to level the contest at 2-2.
With extra time looming, substitute Nadine Noordam delivered the decisive blow in stoppage time, firing home the winner just six minutes after coming on.
Nnadozie – The Wall Behind the Comeback
While the attacking comeback grabbed headlines, Nnadozie’s contributions were equally decisive.
The Nigerian goalkeeper produced crucial late saves to deny Liverpool substitutes, Aurelie Csillag and Cornelia Kapocs, preserving Brighton’s dominance and ensuring the comeback was completed.
Her performance capped what has been a remarkable debut season in England following her move from Paris FC Féminines in 2025.
Statistically, Nnadozie has been among the very best in the Women’s Super League:
- League-leading save percentage: 75%
- Goals prevented: 3.6 (best in the league)
- Saves from inside the box: 40
- Total saves: 57
- Clean sheets: 6 (second-best in the division)
‘Nnadozie Did Well’ – Arsenal Boss Admits
Just days before the FA Cup heroics, Nnadozie was instrumental again as Brighton held Arsenal Women to a 1-1 draw at the Broadfield Stadium.
Despite Frida Maanum cancelling out Fuka Tsunoda’s opener, it was Nnadozie’s saves that stood out, most notably a fingertip stop to deny Caitlin Foord and a sharp reaction save from Lotte Wubben-Moy.
Arsenal manager Renee Slegers acknowledged the Nigerian’s impact after the match:
“Brighton always come out very convinced and with a lot of intensity.”
“There were opportunities in behind, but Nnadozie did well defending that space, so you need a lot of detail and quality in execution.”
A Season of Records and Recognition
Nnadozie’s performances have not only driven Brighton’s success but also elevated her status globally.
She has:
- Earned a nomination for the WSL Save of the Season
- Played a key role in Brighton’s five-game unbeaten league run, their longest since at least 2011/12
- Helped delay title celebrations earlier in the season with a standout display against Manchester City
Her presence, composure under pressure, and elite shot-stopping have made her one of the most influential goalkeepers in European women’s football this season.
Wembley Awaits: A Fairytale Ending?
For Brighton, this is more than just a final, it is a historic breakthrough that signals the club’s rise in English women’s football.
For Nnadozie, it is another milestone in a rapidly growing career and now, all roads lead to Wembley.
