Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie has expressed excitement after being awarded the best goalkeeper in the French D1 Arkema (women’s league) for the 2023/2024 season, marking her the first African, specifically Nigerian, to achieve the individual honour.
This accomplishment solidified her position as one of the top goalkeepers globally.
Nnadozie had an outstanding season with Paris FC, dethroning Christiane Endler, the long-standing best goalkeeper in the French women’s top-flight league.
The 23-year-old former Rivers Angles goalie beat Olympic Lyon’s Christiane Endler and Katarzyna Kiedrzynek of Paris SG to the award.
For the first time in her career, Nnadozie received recognition in this category, breaking Endler’s dominance, who held the title of the best goalkeeper in the French league from 2019 to 2023.
Having also won the CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year for 2023, Nnadozie expressed her delight at the accolades.
In a statement shared on her social media page, the Super Falcons goalkeeper thanked her fans for their unwavering support and expressed gratitude to her teammates and coaches for their encouragement and assistance in achieving the award.
“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.”
The Imo state-born goalie is renowned for her exceptional ability to save penalties, having saved seven penalty kicks this season alone. She also boasts an impressive record of 10 clean sheets in 28 appearances in the French league.
Paris FC President, Pierre Ferracci, also praised the Nigerian goalkeeper for her achievement, noting that she truly deserved the award. He praised her exceptional performance in the Champions League, highlighting her contributions beyond just saving penalties.
“It’s very pleasing because she deserves it, and she had an exceptional Champions League performance, not just in penalty situations,” Pierre Ferracci said.
“She is adorable. This recognition is well-deserved. We are aware that she will attract interest this summer, but we will make every effort to retain her.”
Nnadozie’s achievements underscore the growing impact of African players abroad, paving the way for future generations of footballers from the continent to shine on the global stage.
