Nnadozie Optimistic Of Falcons Positive Response Against Zambia
By Saheed Afolabi
Nigeria goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie has admitted the team have moved on from their painful 3-2 opening defeat to Malawi and are fully focused on Saturday’s must-win WAFCON Group C clash against Zambia.
Speaking ahead of the encounter at Al Madina Stadium in Rabat, the Paris FC shot-stopper said the mood in camp remains positive despite the setback that left Nigeria on zero points.
“The feeling in camp is very good. Everyone is happy because the past is the past, and our focus is on what we have to do in the next game,” Nnadozie said.
“We have all learnt from our mistakes. We have left the defeat behind us, and now we are concentrating on the next game and trying as much as possible to give our best.”
Nnadozie, who faced heavy scrutiny after the loss to the Chawinga sisters, took the unusual step of publicly apologising to Nigerian fans. She insisted the result was not through a lack of effort.
“I felt it was necessary to apologise so the fans would know that what happened was not intentional. Football is a game where winning and losing go hand in hand. We have to keep our heads high and continue doing our best.”
The experienced goalkeeper also reflected on her own performance and the mental side of elite football.
“It is not the first time I have made a mistake in a game, but what keeps me going is always striving to become a better version of myself. I also want to appreciate everyone who still believes in us and continues praying for the team.
“We have learnt a lot from our mistakes, and we will try to get things right this time. It is not always easy, but as a professional footballer you have to build yourself mentally.”
Nigeria sit third in Group C after the opening round of matches, with Zambia top following their emphatic 6-0 win over Egypt. Only the top two teams will advance to the quarter-finals, making Saturday’s fixture critical for the defending champions’ title defence and their hopes of automatic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Justin Madugu’s side will be looking to produce a strong response against the Copper Queens, who they have dominated in most previous WAFCON meetings.
