Nigerian international goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first African and Nigerian player to be crowned the best goalkeeper in the French D1 Arkema women’s league.
This prestigious award is on account of her impressive performances this season, including her penalty-saving heroics.
The 23-year-old shot-stopper beat out stiff competition from Olympic Lyon’s Christiane Endler and Katarzyna Kiedrzynek of Paris SG to claim the coveted individual accolade. Her remarkable achievements this season, including saving an impressive seven penalties – the highest tally in Europe – made her a standout candidate for the award.
Paris FC president Pierre Ferracci praised Nnadozie, saying, “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 expressed her gratitude on social media, her post reads : “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 accolade adds to Nnadozie’s growing list of achievements, including being awarded CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year in 2023. Her impressive performances have also helped Paris FC sit third in the league with 42 points, just eight points behind local rivals Paris Saint-Germain and 11 points away from league leaders Lyon.
