The Nigerian international goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie, has made history by becoming the first African and Nigerian player to win the best goalkeeper award in the French D1 Arkema (women’s league).
The 23-year-old goalkeeper’s exceptional performance this season, highlighted by her penalty-saving prowess, has solidified her reputation as one of the top goalkeepers globally.
Nnadozie surpassed tough competitors, including Christiane Endler from Olympic Lyon and Katarzyna Kiedrzynek of Paris SG, to secure this prestigious individual honor.
“It’s very pleasing because she deserves it and she achieved an exceptional Champions League and not only on penalties,” said Pierre Ferracci, the president of Nnadozie’s club, Paris FC.
“She is adorable. It is deserved. We know that she will be courted this summer, but we will try to keep her,” Pierre Ferracci added.
This season, Nnadozie’s skill at saving penalties was unrivaled, with the Nigerian international stopping an impressive seven penalties, the highest number recorded in Europe.
Paris FC, where Nnadozie plays, is currently in third place in the league, trailing eight points behind their local rivals Paris Saint-Germain and 11 points behind the league leaders, Lyon.
Overjoyed with her achievement, Nnadozie expressed her thanks on the social media platform X, posting, “Excited to have won the French D1 Arkema Goalkeeper of the Year.
“A big thanks to everyone who voted for me and also a special appreciation to my coaches and teammates for all the support and encouragement, to amazing family and Naija fans Una too much. GOD DID.”
In 2023, Nnadozie also received the CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award.