Making History on the Global Stage
Super Falcons and Brighton Women FC goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie, has carved her name into football history once again, this time as the first African goalkeeper ever shortlisted for the women’s Ballon d’Or Yachine Trophy. For the 24-year-old Nigerian shot-stopper, the recognition is more than personal glory; it is a powerful statement that African footballers, especially women, can rise to the very top of the global stage.
Just months after winning her second CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award, Nnadozie now finds herself standing shoulder to shoulder with the game’s finest: Spain’s Cata Coll, Germany’s Ann-Katrin Berger, England’s Hannah Hampton, and the Netherlands’ Daphne van Domselaar.
“This nomination means a lot to me,” Nnadozie said with pride. “It shows that all the hard work, all the consistency, and all the prayers have been working. Being the first African goalkeeper to be nominated is a morale booster. This is for Africa. This is for every young girl dreaming of becoming a superstar.”
A Journey of Resilience
From humble beginnings at Rivers Angels in Port Harcourt to a breakthrough spell at Paris FC in France, Nnadozie’s rise has been defined by persistence. Injuries, doubts, and the pressure of expectation have tested her resolve, but each obstacle only sharpened her determination.
Now at Brighton, she has become a symbol of composure, leadership, and athletic brilliance between the posts. Whether it’s her commanding saves, sharp reflexes, or fearless penalty stops, Nnadozie has developed into one of the most reliable goalkeepers in world football.
A Season of Triumphs
Nnadozie’s nomination capped a spectacular season in which she lifted the Coupe de France with Paris FC before joining the Super Falcons to claim a record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title in Morocco. She was also named Best Goalkeeper at the CAF Awards and WAFCON Goalkeeper of the Tournament after keeping four clean sheets in six outings.
“After winning the Coupe de France, I told myself my blood was still hot, my spirit was still high,” she reflected. “Winning two trophies in two months is not easy, but I believed I could have both. This is to encourage every goalkeeper in Africa: keep working hard, because anything is possible.”
Breaking Out on the World Stage
Her rise has been years in the making. She first caught the world’s attention at the 2018 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, playing all four matches for Nigeria and earning the “Dare to Shine” Player of the Match award against Haiti.
At just 19, she started for Nigeria at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France. In the Falcons’ 2–0 victory over South Korea, she became the youngest goalkeeper to keep a clean sheet in World Cup history, an achievement that announced her to the global stage.
She later helped the Falconets win gold at the African Games in Morocco, saving three penalties in the final shootout against Cameroon. Since then, Nnadozie has continued to grow, establishing herself as one of the most reliable shot-stoppers in Europe during her time with Paris FC before her summer move to Brighton & Hove Albion in the English Women’s Super League.
Madugu Joins the Elite
While Nnadozie was making history between the posts, Super Falcons coach Justin Madugu also broke barriers on the touchline. After guiding Nigeria to WAFCON glory, he became the first African coach, male or female, nominated for the Ballon d’Or Best Women’s Coach award.
“It came as a surprise, but I take it as a challenge, with hope that more hard work will take me and other African coaches to the pinnacle of world football,” the 61-year-old tactician said. “It’s not easy to be nominated among the best five coaches in the world. Win or lose, it will inspire me to do more.”
Lighting the Path for Africa
Both Nnadozie and Madugu’s recognition send a powerful message that African football belongs on the world stage, and its players and coaches can stand shoulder to shoulder with the very best.
“I hope this motivates every African girl to believe that nothing is impossible,” Nnadozie said. “If I can get here, then others can go even further. The sky is only the starting point.”
