Not many goalkeepers have played in two World Cups by the age of 22. Nor do they own the accolade, achieved at 18, of being the youngest goalkeeper in Women’s World Cup history to keep a clean sheet. Nigeria’s Chiamaka Nnadozie, charged with the task of shutting out England in Monday’s last-16 tie in Brisbane, is the only one who can claim both.
Her penalty save in their opening match of this World Cup against Canada is arguably the defining reason why the most dominant team in Africa are still in Australia. That stop earned a goalless draw and 10 days later Nigeria went through as runners-up, one point ahead of the Olympic champions.
