Chiamaka Nnadozie has welcomed Brighton & Hove Albion’s latest Nigerian arrival, Zadok Yohanna, saying she is eager to help the teenager adjust to life in England after his high-profile move to the Premier League club, Footynaija reports.
The Super Falcons goalkeeper, who this week helped Nigeria secure consecutive friendly victories over Senegal, said she was thrilled when news of Yohanna’s transfer broke and believes the youngster deserves the opportunity after overcoming challenges on his journey to the top.
“When I first saw the news online, I was really happy for him,” Nnadozie told ESPN. “I was happy for him because just like he said, he’s been through a lot and he knows where he came from.
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“Also, it’s just so nice to have a Nigerian mate in the team.”
The move makes Yohanna the latest Nigerian at Brighton, where Nnadozie has quickly established herself as one of the club’s standout performers since joining from Paris FC in 2025.
For the 25-year-old goalkeeper, the arrival of a compatriot is particularly significant because of the close interaction between Brighton’s men’s and women’s squads. She explained that the club regularly organizes events that bring players together and often groups them according to their nationality.
“Sometimes both teams, female and male teams, we used to go for these bonding ceremonies and then they would always pair the players based on where they come from,” she said.
“For example, if there’s a player from one country on our team, and there’s a male player from the same country in the male team, they will just pair them together on the table so they get to chat, talk to each other.
“So it’s really good for me to have a Nigerian mate in the team.”
Yohanna arrives at the Amex Stadium after Brighton won a fierce battle for his signature. The Seagulls secured the 18-year-old winger from Swedish side AIK Stockholm on a five-year contract despite interest from Newcastle United, Chelsea, Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig and several other clubs tracking one of Africa’s most promising young talents.
The teenager recently explained that Brighton’s strong record of developing young players was a major factor behind his decision. The club’s pathway for emerging talent and attractive style of football convinced him that the south-coast side was the ideal destination for the next stage of his career.
Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler has already praised the youngster’s qualities, describing him as a player capable of creating danger in attacking areas and entertaining supporters with his flair and creativity.
Nnadozie knows firsthand what it takes to adapt to a new league and environment. Since arriving in England from France last year, she has become a key figure for Brighton Women. The three-time CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year kept six clean sheets in 19 Women’s Super League appearances during her debut season as Brighton finished seventh. Her performances earned her a place in the WSL Team of the Season while she also maintained her position as Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper.
With Yohanna now preparing for his own Premier League adventure, he will have a familiar face waiting to help him settle into life at Brighton.
