Chiamaka Nnadozie has capped off a remarkable year with another major CAF honour, rounding off 12 months where she established herself as one of the best goalkeepers in women’s football. The Nigeria and Brighton shot-stopper enjoyed success on every front, from domestic silverware in France to international dominance with the Super Falcons.
Nnadozie, 23, was outstanding for Paris FC last season, helping the club lift the Coupe de France Féminine while becoming one of the most reliable keepers in Europe. Her reflexes, command of the box and penalty saving reputation quickly earned her a cult following, especially during her Champions League outings where she pulled off several headline, grabbing performances.
But it was her form on the international stage that really shot her into the global spotlight. Representing Nigeria at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, Nnadozie kept four clean sheets and played a huge role in guiding the Super Falcons to a historic 10th WAFCON title, extending their dominance on the continent. She finished the tournament not just with a medal, but also with the Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament award, deserved by all accounts, as she barely put a glove wrong all competition.
After WAFCON, Nnadozie sealed a high profile move to Brighton & Hove Albion in the Women’s Super League, and wasted no time making an impression in England. She produced a stunning debut, earning Player of the Match, and has since been nominated for several awards including WSL Save of the Month and PFA Fans’ Player of the Month, showing she’s not just adapting, she’s raising the bar.
Her rise has felt rapid, but those around African football have seen it coming for years. Nnadozie has long been tipped as the natural successor to legendary Nigerian keepers before her, combining agility with leadership and shot-stopping instincts that often look impossible. She plays with a mix of confidence and fearlessness, diving at attackers’ feet and shouting instructions like a keeper 10 years older.
What makes her story even more impressive is how quickly she’s taken responsibility at club level. Brighton have needed a reliable presence between the sticks, especially after losing key players in recent seasons, and Nnadozie has stepped in as a cornerstone of the project rather than a squad filler. If she keeps up this level, it wouldn’t be surprising to see bigger European clubs circling soon, especially sides competing regularly in the Champions League.
This latest recognition from CAF adds yet another chapter to a growing legacy. At just 23, she’s already a continental champion, multiple time award winner, and arguably the most exciting goalkeeper in African women’s football right now. Some might even say she’s on her way to becoming one of the best in the world full stop , not just Africa.
Nigeria’s next challenge will be qualifying for upcoming internationals and preparing for future global tournaments, and Nnadozie is expected to play a central role once again. If her trajectory continues at this pace, she won’t just be winning awards, she’ll be redefining what it means to be a modern African goalkeeper.
For now, she’s simply on fire. And there’s still a lot more to come.
