By 
Patrick Ngwaogu 

Former Super Falcons goalkeeper Judith Chime has opened up about the trials, triumphs, and transformation that defined Nigeria’s unforgettable journey to the quarterfinals of the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup — a milestone that forever changed the trajectory of women’s football in Africa.

In a candid reflection, Chime, who was part of the trailblazing Nigerian squad, spoke about the grit behind the glory and her own deeply personal battle to make it to football’s biggest stage.

“We actually believe we were able to pick up the trophy because we put in the work, and we had management who actually were behind us,” Chime said. “You cannot compare African countries with the rest of the world — the expectations, the preparation — it’s all different. But the leadership we had gave us something to believe in.”

But for Chime, just making the squad was already a victory. Growing up in a family of eight — with four older brothers, two sisters, and a younger brother she adored — her passion for football often collided with cultural expectations.

“My family didn’t support my dream at first. Women’s soccer wasn’t appreciated in 1999. My older brother, who taught me how to play, eventually told me to stop. He said, ‘Go to school — this isn’t your future.’ But I knew I had to break the mold and find my own path.”

That path led her to a World Cup that would shatter records and stereotypes. Over 1.2 million people attended matches across the United States — a new high for women’s football until Canada 2015. For the Super Falcons, it was a rollercoaster tournament of resilience and historic achievement.

Nigeria opened their campaign with a 2-1 victory over North Korea in Los Angeles. But in front of 65,000 fans in Chicago, the African champions faced a devastating 7-1 loss to the United States, the tournament favorites.

“We talked in the dressing room. We said, ‘It is what it is. We’ll come back.’ We weren’t out. We knew we still had Denmark.”

Needing a result to progress, Nigeria beat Denmark 2-0, becoming the first African women’s team to reach the quarterfinals of a World Cup.

Then came the showdown with Brazil — a match that would test everything the team believed in.

Down 3-0 within 35 minutes, Nigeria staged an astonishing comeback. Goals from the Super Falcons brought it to 3-3, pushing the match into extra time under the Golden Goal rule. Chime, who started on the bench, had been brought in and was now in goal for the most critical moment of her life.

Brazil’s playmaker Cecé stepped up for a late free kick. Chime remembers it vividly:

“I was so ready. I thought I had it. I’m six-foot-two and gave it everything. But we were playing against the wind. I touched it — I know I did — but the wind carried it just beyond my reach. The ball went in.” Game over. Golden Goal. Brazil won. Nigeria were out.

“I cried my heart out. I felt like I had let everyone down. But looking back, that moment changed everything for women’s football in Nigeria. People started to believe. Girls started to dream.”

The 1999 Super Falcons squad didn’t bring home the trophy — but they brought home hope. Chime’s performance and courage inspired a new generation and shifted the national conversation around women in sport.

“Now, kids know you can be a great footballer tomorrow. My family finally gave me the respect I deserved. I wasn’t disobedient — I was determined. I did it for a cause. And it paid off.”

From being doubted by her own family to representing Nigeria on the world stage, Judith Chime’s story is not just about football. It’s about fighting for a dream — and helping an entire continent believe in the power of the women’s game.

“Having to put on the green-white-green… it was a great honor, a great achievement. I believe we made history.”