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Nigeria and Brighton goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie. Copyright: xZacharyxLockexIMAGO<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has\u00a0weighed in on the performance of Chiamaka Nnadozie in\u00a0Nigeria’s 3-2 defeat to Malawi<\/u><\/a>\u00a0in their opening game of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations,\u00a0Soccernet.ng<\/u><\/a>\u00a0reports.<\/strong><\/p>\n Nnadozie kept her place as\u00a0the\u00a0undisputed first choice goalkeeper as the Super Falcons began the defence of their continental title. However, it was a night to forget for the three-time\u00a0defending\u00a0African Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year.<\/p>\n The 25-year-old was\u00a0at fault\u00a0for all three goals Nigeria conceded, with her mistakes raising questions over whether head coach Justin Madugu should consider making a change in goal for the team’s next match.<\/p>\n For Malawi’s opener, Nnadozie rushed off her line but hesitated at the crucial moment, allowing Temwa Chawinga to score. She was then involved in a mix-up with defender Osinachi Ohale, which gifted Tabitha Chawinga Malawi’s second goal.<\/p>\n Although Rasheedat Ajibade pulled one back for Nigeria, Nnadozie was again caught too far off her line, allowing Temwa Chawinga to restore Malawi’s two-goal advantage.<\/p>\n Uchenna Kanu scored late to set up a nervy finish, but Nnadozie’s costly errors ultimately proved decisive as Nigeria suffered a shock defeat in their tournament opener.<\/p>\n The Brighton goalkeeper has come under heavy criticism from supporters following her below par performance, with calls for her to be dropped after she showed signs of rustiness.<\/p>\n Despite the criticism that followed Nnadozie’s performance, Nwabali publicly showed his support for his international teammate,\u00a0who recently teased him to join her at the Premier League club.<\/u><\/a><\/p>\n The Chippa United goalkeeper, who understands the pressure that comes with representing Nigeria on the biggest stage, praised Nnadozie\u00a0in a post on his social media.<\/a><\/p>\n Rather\u00a0than dwelling on her mistakes, he described her as one of the best goalkeepers he has seen\u00a0and encouraged her to stay confident and bounce back stronger.<\/p>\n Nnadozie will now be hoping to respond with a much-improved performance when the Super Falcons take on Zambia on Saturday.\u00a0The Copper Queens\u00a0head into the game full of confidence after beginning their campaign with a dominant 6-0 victory over Egypt on Tuesday.<\/p>\n The Super Falcons must avoid another defeat if they are to keep their hopes of defending the WAFCON title alive\u00a0and a win will\u00a0also strengthen their chances of qualifying for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n![\"Soccer](\"https:\/\/soccernet.ng\/thumbor\/3B41nYWAh06ST_JsBRSjHNugtko=\/4506x3004\/smart\/https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.soccernet.ng%2Fmain%2F2026%2F07%2Fimago1076869001.jpg\")
Soccer Super Falcons: Nwabali defends Nnadozie amid backlash<\/h2>\n
![\"Soccer](\"https:\/\/soccernet.ng\/thumbor\/sgaVNB_1WE7NhVCqablJr8VApa8=\/1024x681\/smart\/https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.soccernet.ng%2Fmain%2F2025%2F12%2Fimago1070662572.jpg\")
![\"Soccer](\"https:\/\/soccernet.ng\/thumbor\/0KpP73oNH8qGgMOT5AqzicgcwrY=\/4256x2832\/smart\/https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.soccernet.ng%2Fmain%2F2026%2F07%2Fimago1080475914.jpg\")
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