Nnadozie shows up, shuts shop, steals Brighton hearts. First day.

By: Akinde Oluwaseun

Sunday. Drizzle hanging over the Amex like wet laundry. Chiamaka Nnadozie—24, fearless, recently un-packed from Paris FC—pulled on a Brighton shirt for the very first time. Free transfer, zero fuss, big promise.

Kick-off, Aston Villa pressing. Crowd restless. She just stood there, calm, gloves tapping together. Funny thing? She barely had to dive. Villa flung crosses in; she claimed ’em like lost mail. Quick roll-outs, loud shouts, clean sheet. Ended 0-0 but felt louder somehow.

Then the loudspeaker: Player of the Match—Nnadozie. Cheers, a whistle or two. Not bad for debut day, yeah?

Head coach Dario Vidosic couldn’t hide the grin. “Chia didn’t have to pull off monster saves,” he said later, shrugging like proud older brother, “yet she owned her box and the back line made sure she stayed comfy.” Grammar neat? Maybe not. Point clear? crystal.

Now Brighton fans scribble her name on the next program with a little star. Because first impressions—they stick.