Boluwatife Kehinde
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has extended its warm congratulations to Chiamaka Nnadozie, the talented goalkeeper for both the Super Falcons and Brighton and Hove Albion, following her impressive fourth-place finish at this year’s prestigious Ballon d’Or ceremony held in Paris on Monday night. This recognition places Nnadozie among the elite in women’s football, highlighting her significant contributions to the sport.
In a statement released on Tuesday from Abuja, Ademola Olajire, who heads the NFF’s Media and Communications department, expressed pride in Nnadozie’s exemplary performance.
As Africa’s Best Goalkeeper for the past two consecutive years, Nnadozie had previously showcased her outstanding skills by earning the title of Goalkeeper of the tournament during this summer’s Women Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) finals held in Morocco. Her outstanding displays were pivotal in leading Nigeria to their historic 10th championship victory in this continental tournament.
”We heartily congratulate Nnadozie on her remarkable fourth-place finish in what was a highly competitive race,” NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi remarked. “This accomplishment is particularly commendable given the caliber of goalkeepers she faced in the competition. Finishing fourth not only underscores her talent but also reflects her potential to clinch this coveted trophy very soon.”
In addition to congratulating Nnadozie, Sanusi also acknowledged the achievements of Super Falcons’ Head Coach Justine Madugu, who also secured a commendable fourth place in the Women’s Coach of the Year category. This recognition reinforces the NFF’s decision to appoint him as the head coach of the Super Falcons, a choice that has been further validated by his successful leadership in guiding the team to victory at WAFCON.
“Madugu’s achievements exemplify the trust the NFF has in his coaching abilities and further validates our decision to appoint him to this important role. We congratulate him on this accomplishment and look forward to his continued success in future awards,” Sanusi added.
In the context of the awards, Nnadozie finished just behind England and Chelsea FC’s Hannah Hampton, who was honored with the Trophée Yachine, as well as Gotham FC’s Ann-Katrin Berger and Barcelona FC’s Cata Coll. Impressively, Nnadozie outshone Arsenal FC’s Daphne van Domselaar to secure her position in the Top Five.
Coach Madugu’s accolades came in a competitive field that included the highly acclaimed Sarina Wiegman, who guided England to victory in the UEFA Women’s Championship. Other notable candidates in the Coach of the Year category included Chelsea’s Sonia Bompastor, Brazil’s Arthur Elias, and Arsenal FC’s Renée Slegers.
The NFF remains optimistic about future successes for both Nnadozie and Madugu, believing firmly in their capabilities to achieve even greater heights in the world of football.
