Chiamaka Nnadozie’s exclusion from the 2025 CAF Women’s Player of the Year shortlist has sparked widespread outrage across African football communities, fueling debate over longstanding positional biases.
The Confederation of African Football announced the nominees on October 16, covering performances from January to October. Nnadozie, 24, was omitted from the top category but leads the shortlist for Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year.
Her exclusion has surprised many observers, given her record-breaking season for Paris FC, Brighton, and Nigeria. She registered 17 clean sheets in 31 matches, claimed the WAFCON Golden Glove, and finished fourth in the Ballon d’Or Yashin Trophy—Africa’s best-ever ranking in the category.
Many have called the omission an oversight that diminishes defensive excellence in a sport still dominated by forward recognition. Fans described the decision as “a slap to women’s football,” while pundits questioned CAF’s voting criteria.
Under current rules, CAF’s Player of the Year award favours attacking metrics. Since its inception in 2001, no goalkeeper has ever won the category, and only midfielders or forwards have prevailed. Analysts say this structural bias has again sidelined one of Africa’s most decorated shot-stoppers.
Nnadozie’s 2025 campaign was among the strongest of her career. She led Paris FC to the Coupe de France title and Champions League qualification before joining Brighton in June. She quickly adapted to the Women’s Super League, earning three clean sheets in five matches.
Continental level
At the continental level, she anchored Nigeria’s defence as the Super Falcons captured their 10th WAFCON title in July. Across six matches, she conceded only two goals, winning the Golden Glove award for best goalkeeper.
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Her achievements made her the first African woman to reach the top five in the Ballon d’Or Yashin Trophy rankings. The recognition placed her above several established European names, reinforcing her growing international stature.
Despite those feats, CAF’s Player shortlist focused on attacking players. While these players excelled, Nnadozie’s defensive influence was equally decisive in Nigeria’s success.
Nnadozie remains the clear favourite to retain the Goalkeeper of the Year award, which she has won twice consecutively. Should she win again, she will become the first player to claim the title three times in a row.
Despite the disappointment, her season has already cemented her as a generational figure in African football. From her roots in Akure to global recognition, her consistency continues to redefine expectations for African goalkeepers on the world stage.
