Chiamaka Nnadozie put in a strong performance despite conceding twice as Brighton & Hove Albion Women defeated Manchester City Women 3-2 in the Women’s Super League on Saturday.
Her heroics ended up postponing City’s title celebrations. City went into the match knowing that a win, along with favourable results elsewhere, could secure their first league title since 2016.
They started quickly and took the lead in the fifth minute when Kerolin punished a defensive mistake, curling her shot past Nnadozie into the top corner. Despite conceding early, Nnadozie remained steady in goal. She made four saves from inside the penalty area and dealt well with crosses and pressure situations, helping Brighton stay in the game.
Brighton equalised just before halftime when Madison Haley finished from a pass by Fran Kirby. The home side carried that momentum into the second half and went ahead soon after the restart, as Kiko Seike broke down the right and scored. Haley added a third goal in the 65th minute, heading in a rebound after her initial effort.
City pushed late and reduced the deficit through Khadija Shaw in the 86th minute, but Brighton held on for the win.
Although not flawless — including an error that led to a shot — Nnadozie contributed significantly with three clearances, 15 recoveries and a crucial last-man intervention. She also completed 26 of 42 passes and had 58 touches, highlighting her involvement in Brighton’s build-up play.
Her overall performance this season remains strong. She leads the league in save percentage (75.0%) and goals prevented (3.6), ahead of Hannah Hampton and Courtney Brosnan. She has also kept six clean sheets, second only to Hampton’s seven, and tops the league for saves made from inside the box.
Manchester City remain top of the table with 49 points from 20 matches, while rivals continue to chase with games in hand.
Brighton, with three matches left this season, will next face Manchester United Women at Leigh Sports Village as Nnadozie looks to maintain her form.
