Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie has been adjudged the best goalkeeper in the French D1 Arkema (Women’s league).
She becomes the first African to receive this prestigious award. The 23-year-old triumphed over competition from Olympic Lyon’s Christiane Endler and Paris SG's Katarzyna Kiedrzynek to win the award.
The Paris FC goal custodian is renowned for her remarkable saves during penalty shootouts. She successfully saved seven penalty kicks this season, the most in all of Europe.
Her heroics led Paris FC to victories in shoot-outs against top teams like Arsenal and Wolfsburg, propelling them to the semi-final stage of the Women’s Champions League before their elimination by Olympique Lyon.
Chiamaka Nnadozie's outstanding performances pushed Paris FC to third place in the league with 42 points, trailing Paris Saint-Germain, their local rivals, by eight points, and Lyon, the league leaders, by an additional 11 points.
It's worth noting that Nnadozie played a pivotal role in the Super Falcons' qualification for the 2024 Summer Olympics.
What are Nnadozie's stats for Paris FC this season?
Nnadozie has participated in all 18 matches of the French Division One Féminine this season, starting and completing the full duration of each game.
She has earned two spots in the Team of the Week lineup. Throughout the season, the Super Falcons shot-stopper has conceded 21 goals while executing 46 saves, with 30 saves from shots within the box and 16 from outside it. Additionally, she has maintained six clean sheets, boasting a 69% save rate per game.
On average, Nnadozie completes 43.8 passes per game.
Nnadozie's remarks after receiving award
Chiamaka Nnadozie was excited to be awarded the prestigious accolade. Her outstanding skills and commitment to her team did not go unnoticed.
The moment of recognition was not only a personal triumph, but also a testament to the collective effort and support she received from her coaches, teammates, family, and loyal Nigerian fans throughout her journey.
Excited to have won the French D1 Arkema Goalkeeper of the Year, Nnadozie took to her X handle to express her gratitude.
“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,” she wrote.
Paris FC president praises Nnadozie's achievements
Pierre Ferracci, President of Paris FC, shared his thoughts on Nnadozie's feat at the event.
‘It’s very pleasing, because she deserves it and she achieved an exceptional Champions League and not only on penalties,' Ferracci said, acknowledging Nnadozie's outstanding performance on the field. With a smile, he continued, ‘She is adorable. It is deserved. We know that she will be courted this summer but we will try to keep her.”
Randy Waldrum weighs in on Super Falcons star's achievement
As the accolades poured in for Nnadozie's outstanding achievement as the French D1 Arkema Goalkeeper of the Year, voices from around the football world chimed in to praise her remarkable talent.
Among those voices was Randy Waldrum, coach of the Super Falcons, who took to his X handle to express his admiration.
“I told you all… she is one of the best in the world right now!!”
Chiamaka Nnadozie named in the Team of the Season
The Nigerian international was also named in the team of the season. She was one of two Africans who made the list, with the other being Malawian captain Tabitha Chawinga.
Chawinga was adjuded the Best Player of the Season having registered 18 goals and 10 assists for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).
In 2015 and 2017, Chawinga was adjudged the top scorer and best player in Sweden. She repeated the same in China in 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2023, and in Italy.
Nnadozie is also the reigning African Women's Goalkeeper of the Year.
