The Nigerian international goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie, has etched her name in the history books by becoming the first African and Nigerian player to be crowned the best goalkeeper in the French D1 Arkema (women’s league).
The 23-year-old shot-stopper’s remarkable achievements this season, including her penalty-saving heroics, cemented her status as one of the best goalkeepers in the world.
Nnadozie beat out stiff competition from Olympic Lyon’s Christiane Endler and Katarzyna Kiedrzynek of Paris SG to claim the coveted individual accolade.
“It’s very pleasing because she deserves it and she achieved an exceptional Champions League and not only on penalties,” said Pierre Ferracci, the president of Nnadozie’s club, Paris FC.
“She is adorable. It is deserved. We know that she will be courted this summer, but we will try to keep her,” Pierre Ferracci added.
Nnadozie’s penalty-saving prowess was unmatched this season, with the Nigerian international saving an impressive seven penalties – the highest tally in Europe.
Paris FC currently sits third in the league with 42 points, eight points behind their local rivals Paris Saint-Germain and a further 11 points away from the league leaders, Lyon.
Expressing her gratitude, an elated Nnadozie took to social media platform X, writing, “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.”
Nnadozie was also awarded CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year in 2023.
