Chloe N’Gazi: Algeria’s Iron Wall Harbouring Africa’s No.1 Dream at Chiamaka Nnadozie’s Expense
In the heart of Morocco 2024, as the group stage dust settled at the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, one name quietly but firmly echoed across the continent, Chloe N’Gazi.
The 29-year-old Algeria shot-stopper not only posted three clean sheets in as many games and a tournament-high number of saves, she also emerged as the Best Goalkeeper of the Group Stage, edging out Nigeria’s Chiamaka Nnadozie, the reigning African Goalkeeper of the Year.
What makes her rise even more compelling is not just her heroics between the sticks, but the journey, a story woven with French discipline, Algerian heart, and unwavering ambition.
From Marseille to Morocco: The Rise of a Determined Guardian
Born in Meudon, France, N’Gazi’s football journey has seen her climb through top French clubs like PSG, Issy, Fleury, Orleans, and Le Havre, before settling at Olympique de Marseille, where she currently guards the posts.
Despite enduring a challenging six-month spell without game time last season, the Marseille custodian stayed the course. Her patience and perseverance have paid off, culminating in a historic group-stage performance for Algeria.
“For me personally, I am happy because I work a lot. I had a hard season as I didn't play for six months. Now, I am really happy; it's a big achievement,” she shared in an exclusive interview with CAFOnline.com.
“It is a big achievement also for the team. I think it is teamwork because my defenders help me a lot. Now we can dream of big things.”
Her defining performance came in the goalless draw against Nigeria, where she stood tall and outshone her counterpart, Nnadozie, widely regarded as the best in Africa.
“I know last year she (Chiamaka) won the best goalkeeper award in Africa. She deserved it because she had a big season. For me, it's good, I want to be the best goalkeeper in Africa. I think we have to prove that in competitions like WAFCON. I am really proud to get closer to Chiamaka.”
Now, with the group stage accolades in her hands and Algeria in the knockout rounds, N’Gazi has already proven she's more than just competition, she’s a contender.
Beyond the Gloves: Identity, Roots, and Responsibility
Though born and raised in France, N’Gazi proudly wears the Algerian jersey — a decision rooted in family, heritage, and passion.
“My cousin, Lilia Boumrar, played for Algeria and told me about the love the people have for football. Since I came here, I know Algeria is a big country… It’s different from other countries because people are really counting on you. They really like soccer. You have to be good every time.”
Her connection to Algeria is deepened by cultural ties — especially in Marseille, a city with a significant Algerian population.
“Even though we didn’t grow up there, that is where our ancestry comes from. That is really important for me because family and ancestry matter. That's the roots. It’s important for Africa to grow. We have to come back from where we are from,” she alluded.
“It’s not that hard because I play for Marseille. There are a lot of Algerian people there. Marseille and Algeria are kind of the same — supporters and fans are really hard on us. We need people counting on us and it's a good pressure.”
Chasing Greatness: N’Gazi’s Dream to Be Africa’s No. 1
Inspired by legendary German keeper Manuel Neuer, N’Gazi is driven to modernize her game and make her mark among the continent’s elite.
With her breakout group-stage showing, already crowned Best Goalkeeper of the Group Stage — she has carved a path toward her ultimate goal which is to be named Africa’s best.
"My first role model is Emmanuel Neuer because he changed goalkeeping for me. With him, we became more like a field player also," she admits.
“My personal ambition in this competition is to be nominated for the best goalkeeper. I want to keep growing because I know I am not there yet. Even if I’m 29 already, I’m getting to my best level.”
N’Gazi respects the rise of fellow African keepers, particularly her group-stage rival. Still, she remains humble, knowing the climb is never steady.
“There are lots of competitions in France and lots of keepers are getting better like Chiamaka Nnadozie at Paris FC. Trying to get to their level is important," she acknowledges.
“You can go up one day and then the next day go really low. You have to keep grounding every time. Believe in yourself because if you don’t, nobody is going to do it for you.”
Her eyes are fixed on helping Algeria advance, but her heart beats for the broader movement of women’s football in Africa.
“We want to go as far as we can. With what we did and showed, I think it’s not just a dream now, we can really do it," she assures.
“CAF are doing great things in showing the games so that more people can see us play. It’s a great thing for African women's football.
“Thank you for following us. We need you for the next game. We see all your comments and it’s helping us a lot. Please continue to cheer us.”
Coach’s Trust: Chloe’s Crucial Role in Algeria’s Ambition
Behind Algeria’s defensive resilience stands a coach with immense belief in his No.1. Algeria head coach Farid Benstiti, who guided N’Gazi through a slow tournament start, now sees her as the heartbeat of their ambitions.
While statistics praise her consistency, it’s her ability to rise at the right moments that has truly impressed.
“Chloe started slowly the first game but after that she came out very strong. She has the quality at the highest level because she is tall, dynamic and technically very good with the foot and hand. She is calm. We are very happy to have a good goalkeeper like Chloe,"' he opens up with all smiles, to CAFOnline.com.
“Chloe didn’t have too many important things to do but when it was at a time that we needed her, she was really efficient. The coach and team need a strong goalkeeper at those crucial times and Chloe was really present in those times.”
Benstiti points to her relationship with her backline as a cornerstone of Algeria’s strength.
With a tough quarterfinal against Ghana ahead, the coach is counting on N’Gazi more than ever.
“She is mature for now. Chloe helps the defenders and vice versa. They are friends, which is very important. We really feel that defenders with Chloe are close to her. They all help the team and that is very important," he anticipates.
“The next step for the team depends on the grip — and about Chloe because Ghana will have opportunities. The games are now 90 and more than 90 minutes. The players will be tired and we will also have opportunities.
“That’s why the goalkeeper at this time of the competition is 50% of the team. PSG won the Champions League because of their goalkeeper. Everybody speaks about the players and the coach, but I think the goalkeeper was unbelievable at that time.
“We need Chloe at more than 100% of her quality to help the team win the quarterfinal.”
With a commanding presence, deep-rooted pride, and the full backing of her coach and teammates, N’Gazi is no longer just Algeria’s last line of defense but also their symbol of belief, their group-stage MVP, and perhaps, their ticket to continental glory.
