Super Falcons and Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie is delighted at making history as the first African goalkeeper to be nominated for the Women’s Yashin Trophy, www.aclsports.com reports.
Nnadozie was shortlisted by France Football as one of five outstanding goalkeepers for the award, alongside Ann-Katrin Berger, Cata Coll, Hannah Hampton, and Daphne van Domselaar.
Reflecting on the nomination, Nnadozie shared her heartfelt sentiments:
“From the moment I heard the news that I was being nominated for the Ballon d’Or, I was so happy. It was exciting news. This nomination means a lot to me. It’s a source of joy for me and my family. It shows that all the hard work, consistency, and prayers have been paying off. I’m so happy about this, it means so much to me.”
Her achievement underscores her commitment and highlights the rising prominence of African goalkeepers on the global stage.
Nnadozie views this recognition as more than a personal accolade:
“Being the first African goalkeeper to be nominated for the Women’s Ballon d’Or shows that we have a lot of good goalkeepers in Africa,” she said. “I want to use this opportunity to encourage each and every one of us, all the goalkeepers from Africa, to keep working hard, keep doing what you’re doing, and I believe one day the sky will be your starting point.”
Nnadozie’s inspiring message extends far beyond her own journey, resonating with young girls across Africa who aspire to become world-class football stars:
“Trust me, this nomination is for all of us. This is for Africa, this is for African goalkeepers, this is for every young girl dreaming to become a world star. Keep doing what you’re doing and one day you will get to the top.”
Her journey from Nigeria to the international spotlight stands as a beacon of hope and determination, proving that with resilience and faith, African talents can shine on football’s grandest stages.
As Chiamaka Nnadozie continues her career at Brighton & Hove Albion and with the Super Falcons, her nomination is a powerful reminder that the future is bright for African women’s football, and the best is yet to come.
