The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has congratulated Super Falcons goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie, for her historic achievement at the 2025 Ballon d’Or awards.
Nnadozie, who plays for Paris FC in France, finished fourth in the women’s Goalkeeper of the Year category. This makes her the first Nigerian player—male or female be nominated for the prestigious global football award.
The top prize in the women’s goalkeeper category was won by Chelsea and England’s Hannah Hampton. Despite missing out on the top three, Nnadozie’s performance over the past year has earned her global recognition and praise from fans, pundits, and football authorities.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by its General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, the NFF expressed pride in Nnadozie’s accomplishment and described it as a landmark moment for Nigerian football.
“We heartily congratulate Chiamaka Nnadozie on her fourth-place finish in the race,” the NFF said.
“It is a commendable feat given the calibre of goalkeepers she was up against. We believe in her capacity to win this trophy very soon.”
The federation added that her recognition reflects not only her personal excellence but also the growing strength of women’s football in Nigeria and across Africa.
Chiamaka Nnadozie, 23, was one of the standout performers for Nigeria at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup held in Australia and New Zealand. She made several key saves and helped the Super Falcons reach the Round of 16, earning praise from FIFA and global sports media.
Her performances in Europe for Paris FC have also been impressive, with several clean sheets and a strong presence between the posts in both domestic and UEFA Women’s Champions League matches.
In addition to Nnadozie’s success, the Super Falcons head coach, Justin Madugu, also received recognition at the 2025 Ballon d’Or event. He finished fourth in the Coach of the Year category, which was won by Sarina Wiegman, head coach of England’s national women’s team.
The NFF noted that both recognitions are evidence of the country’s growing influence on the global football scene.
“These honours show that Nigeria continues to rise in international football. We are proud of our representatives and urge them to keep pushing boundaries,” the statement concluded.
Nnadozie’s achievement has sparked excitement among Nigerian football fans and analysts, who believe it is a sign of bigger successes to come for the Super Falcons and the nation’s female footballers.
Her fourth-place finish not only breaks new ground but also sets a higher bar for African goalkeepers in the women’s game.
