After 90 minutes against South Korea, Chiamaka Nnadozie had made history becoming the first goalkeeper, 18 year-old to keep a clean sheet at the Women’s World Cup.
However it wasn’t all plan sailing for the youngster, who confessed she had butterflies in her stomach as she stepped on the pitch for her first ever World Cup game at senior level.
Nnadozie was a tactical decision by the coach to correct the goalkeeping calamity from the 3-0 defeat to Norway in Nigeria’s opening game of teh competition.
She replaced first choice, Tochukwu Oluehi and proved the Coach right, after he had told her to “take the moment, it’s yours”.
Speaking ahead of a crucial final group match against France, the Rivers United goalie told FIFA TV in an interview that, “I told myself before the end of the tournament by God’s Grace I must keep one match, even if it’s just one and I was working for it.”
“Every time in the training I give out my best even if I’m tired I’ll keep pushing.
“So, when I was called upon to keep I was a little bit scared; it was a bit stage for me, I never expected it and even if I had to I felt it wasn’t time.
“But, I encouraged myself; I had been doing it during the friendly matches so I had to do it and show myself. The Coach called me and said this is your time use it.”
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