Zadok Yohanna and pip of Chiamaka Nnadozie. (Photos by Imago, Brighton/X)
Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie has expressed her delight at Zadok Yohanna’s transfer to Brighton, Soccernet.ng reports.
Nnadozie, who has been with Brighton for a year, has firmly established herself as a regular starter. Last season, she featured in 19 English Women's Super League games, helping the team secure a 7th-place finish.
Zadok Yohanna signs for Brighton. (Photo credit: Brighton/X)
Though the youngster only moved to Europe from Nigeria last year, his standout performances in the Allsvenskan caught the attention of several top clubs before he ultimately chose Brighton.
For Yohanna, this is a major transition. Having never played for a club outside Sweden, he must now acclimatize to both a new style of football and the culture of England.
Following the transfer, there are now two Nigerians in Brighton’s senior setup. Nnadozie, 26, is seven years Yohanna's senior. Given her experience navigating the English football landscape, she has promised to help her compatriot settle in.
”When I first saw the news online, I was really happy for him,” Nnadozie told ESPN. “I was happy because, as he mentioned, he has been through a lot and he knows where he came from. It’s also just really nice to have a Nigerian teammate.”
She noted that the club often encourages cultural integration: “Sometimes, the men’s and women’s teams have bonding events where they pair players based on their nationality. For example, if there is a player from a specific country on our team and a counterpart on the men's team, they pair us together so we can chat. It’s great to have a fellow Nigerian to connect with.”
”The best part is that we live in the same compound, so we will see each other often. I plan to welcome him properly, help him however I can, show him around, and take him to restaurants—things like that. I’m truly happy for him and glad to have another Nigerian at the club.”
Yohanna signs for Brighton. (Photo credit/Brighton/X)
With the tournament beginning next month, she is expected to return to England shortly after to link up with Yohanna. She will definitely be hoping to help him settle in quickly so he can begin shining for his new club in the upcoming Premier League campaign.
Kelvin Omachonu is a professional football columnist and sports writer with over half a decade of experience covering major events and delivering captivating, analytically-driven stories.
A graduate of the University of Ibadan, he is fueled by a profound dedication to sports journalism and the beautiful game. His insights have previously been featured in respected outlets, including IndyPress UI, UCJ UI Newshive NG, Sportpremi, and a few others.
Away from work, Kelvin is an avid fan of basketball, enjoys a great movie, and is always discovering new music.
