Nigerian international goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie has secured her place in history as the first African and Nigerian player to be named the best goalkeeper in the French D1 Arkema (women’s league). Her outstanding performances this season, marked by her penalty-saving heroics, have solidified her position as one of the world’s premier goalkeepers.
Nnadozie, 23, surpassed tough competition from Christiane Endler of Olympic Lyon and Katarzyna Kiedrzynek of Paris SG to clinch this prestigious individual award.
Paris FC president, Pierre Ferracci, lauded Nnadozie’s achievement, stating, “It’s very pleasing because she deserves it and she achieved an exceptional Champions League and not only on penalties. She is adorable. It is deserved. We know that she will be courted this summer, but we will try to keep her.”
Nnadozie’s exceptional penalty-saving skills set her apart this season, with the Nigerian international saving an impressive seven penalties, the highest in Europe.
Despite Nnadozie’s stellar performance, Paris FC currently sits third in the league standings with 42 points, trailing Paris Saint-Germain by eight points and Lyon by 11 points.
Expressing her gratitude, Nnadozie took to social media platform X, saying, “Excited to have won the French D1 Arkema Goalkeeper of the Year. 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 DID.”
This recognition adds to Nnadozie’s list of accolades, having been named CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year in 2023. Her remarkable journey continues to inspire aspiring goalkeepers and football enthusiasts across Africa and beyond.
