Chiamaka Nnadozie: A Goalkeeper Par Excellence

On Monday night, July 18, 2022, Nigeria’s Super Falcons bowed out of the ongoing African Women’s Cup of Nations. They did fantastically well, holding their opponents, Morocco, who are also the host nation, to a penalty shootout. This was after the 90 minutes and extra time could not determine the winner of the game.

The Falcons were two women down due to red cards from the referee. Nevertheless, they held their head up high after making it up till the semi finals of the competition. Consequently, they have qualified for the Women’s World Cup in 2023.

All the players put in their best in the game for Nigeria. However, one of the players that stood out was Chiamaka Nnadozie. She eventually won the Most Valuable Player of the match.

Who is Chiamaka Nnadozie?

Nnadozie is a goal keeper with the Nigerian national team and Paris FC in the French Division 1 Feminine team.

She was born on December 8, 2000. She was a former player with Rivers Angels from 2016 till 2020 before she left for the French club.

During the 2018 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, Nnadozie played a formidable role. She joined the women’s senior team in 2019.

Recognition

In May 2022, the French Association of Professional Goalkeeper Coaches (AEGB) voted Nnadozie as the Revelation of the Season.

The 21 year old wrote on Twitter, “I want to use this opportunity to say a big thank you to the (ARGB) Football Association France, for this great award. A special thanks to Paris FC. You guys made it possible.”

In December 2021, she was ranked as the world’s seventh best female goalkeeper by the International Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHS).

Read Also: Asisat Oshoala: A Sports Woman Par Excellence

In reaction to this recognition, former Super Falcons coach, Godwin Izilien said, “I am delighted with the news that Nnadozie has been rated the seventh best goalkeeper in the world. This is a remarkable achievement for the young lady, who started her football career in Nigeria.

“She played for the cadet teams and Nigerian teams before moving abroad. I have said before that Nigeria has talents in women football. All they need is to be discovered and exposed.

“Nnadozie’s achievement is a clear testimony that a player can be discovered in Nigeria. Also, that player can be among the best in the world when given the right exposure. Football stakeholders should leverage her achievements to look more to grassroots remains the direction to develop women’s football in Nigeria.”

Nnadozie is a shining light who has many years ahead of her. Her impact in her team has proven that she is capable of greater feats. She is truly a goal keeper par excellence!