Exclusive: Chiamaka Nnadozie Bids Emotional Farewell to Paris FC as Everton Interest Grows

After an illustrious four-and-a-half-year spell in France, Nigeria international Chiamaka Nnadozie has drawn the curtain on her time with French giants Paris FC, her first European club.

The 24-year-old Super Falcons goalkeeper, who joined the French side in January 2020, has grown from a promising teenage prospect into a UEFA Women’s Champions League-calibre goalkeeper.

The Nigerian star opens up on her Paris journey, Champions League dream, the ups and downs of her career, and her possible next step, with strong interest reportedly coming from Women’s Super League side Everton, where compatriot Toni Payne currently plays.

The Paris FC Journey: From Rookie to Icon

Since joining Paris FC from Nigerian league side Rivers Angels in 2020, Nnadozie has made over 118 appearances across all competitions and kept more than 35 clean sheets, playing a central role in turning the club into a Champions League contender.

"It’s always an exciting one playing in Europe. Playing in Europe has helped me in terms of experience. It has always been one of my greatest inspirations. They made me who I am today," she told SportsBoom.com.

"When I went there, I was so young at 20 years old. Right now, I am 24. It hasn't been easy. It's been a lot of hard work and consistency which has shaped my career a lot. I am grateful for that."

Nnadozie's development from a raw talent to a consistent performer is one of the major reasons Paris FC enjoyed three consecutive top-three finishes in the French league during her time.

UEFA Champions League Dream Realised

In the 2023/24 season, Nnadozie was pivotal as Paris FC made history by qualifying for the UEFA Women’s Champions League group stage for the first time, knocking out giants like Arsenal (in Sweden) and Wolfsburg (in Germany) in dramatic fashion.

"It has always been my dream to play in the Champions League. Doing that with Paris FC means a lot to me because that was my first European club, and achieving that dream means the world to me."

"Winning my first international trophy with them also means a lot to me. Beating Arsenal in Sweden, Wolfsburg in Germany, and beating Real Madrid in Spain were memories I can never forget in my life. Whenever I watch the videos, I get goosebumps. So proud of that."

In that campaign, Nnadozie saved three penalties and made over 20 key saves, earning praise from UEFA and global media outlets.

A Career Built on Perseverance and Faith

Nnadozie's rise to prominence was never smooth. From her days in Nigeria’s U-17 and U-20 teams, she often started as the second-choice goalkeeper. But through discipline and faith, she seized her moments.

"Sometimes when you go to a place where you are not the best, don't give up. Keep a good attitude and stay humble. Keep working hard and praying hard."

"When others are working, just encourage and clap for them. At U-17, I wasn't the first-choice goalkeeper but Rita Akerekor. When she had some issues with her documents, I became the number one just a few days before the first match against Namibia. That was how I took over."

"I could also remember that during the U-20, I wasn't the number one, but Onyinyechi Okeke. It was after the game against Morocco. In the game I kept against South Africa, I wasn't notified."

"I just had to go there and do what I had to do. At Super Falcons and Paris FC, I wasn't the number-one goalkeeper. It's just determination to do it. It hasn't been easy, but thanks to God and Nigerians as well as the Federation for the trust and belief."

Love from Nigeria: A Promise to Her Fans

At the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup, she became the youngest goalkeeper to keep a clean sheet (aged 19) when Nigeria beat South Korea 2–0—her breakout moment on the global stage.

With over 30 senior caps for the Super Falcons, Nnadozie is also the current first-choice goalkeeper and vice-captain of the Nigerian senior women’s national team after her debut at the WAFU-B tournament in 2018.

Nnadozie has never forgotten her roots despite being based in Europe, her bond with Nigerian fans has remained unshaken.

"It hasn't been easy, but I really want to say a very big thank you to everyone supporting me. The love is so massive. There has never been a time I haven't got love from Nigerians," the former Rivers Angels star went on.

"My promise to you guys is to keep doing well and giving my best. I wouldn't have become the kind of player I am today without their support and prayers."

"Right from U-17 to U-20 and the senior team. Even when I was not the number one goalkeeper, they have always believed in me. They should keep supporting us and channel the love to other young players to be encouraged."

Emotional Exit, But Paris Will Always Be Home

Though she leaves Paris FC, Nnadozie’s gratitude to the club remains deep as she credits the capital outfit for believing in her when others overlooked her.

"Paris FC is the club of my heart. It's my first love. My first European team. They believed in me, accepted and signed me," she admitted.

"Staying loyal to them is one of the goals. I will continue to do that but this is football. It's business, and you never know what will happen tomorrow."

"Whatever happens, we will all accept it with good faith. It's not going to be easy for both parties, but at the end of the day, we are all going for the best."

She also helped the French club win its first international trophy—the 2022 Women’s Friendly Tournament in France—and was named Best Goalkeeper of the Season by Paris FC fans in back-to-back seasons (2022, 2023).

Next Stop: Merseyside? Everton Strongly Linked

While Nnadozie remains tight-lipped about her next move, multiple sources close to the situation suggest that Everton Women of the English Women’s Super League are leading the race to sign the Nigerian goalkeeper.

The Toffees are reportedly eyeing an ambitious squad reshuffle that includes the likes of Toni Payne—recently confirmed—and potentially Rasheedat Ajibade, both Nnadozie’s compatriots with international pedigree.

“Everton have shown interest in Chiamaka,” a source familiar with negotiations told SportsBoom.com. “They are rebuilding and see her as a big signing—someone with Champions League experience and global appeal.”

Another source also hinted that: “The WSL is a natural next step for her, and with the arrival of Toni Payne at Everton, the club is keen to strengthen ties with Nigerian players. Chiamaka fits their ambition.”

Nnadozie's Legacy in Motion

From a shy 20-year-old then in Paris to one of Africa’s most trusted hands in goal, Nnadozie’s journey continues to inspire a new and young generation of keepers from the continent.

“Beating Arsenal, Wolfsburg and Real Madrid... those are memories I’ll never forget. I still get goosebumps,” she adds.

While she leaves her future in her representative's hands to sort, Nnadozie will shift focus on winning her first Women's Africa Cup of Nations title on her second attempt in Morocco next month.