Nigeria’s Chiamaka Cynthia Nnadozie has once again made headlines, earning a nomination for the 2025 The Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper Award. The Brighton & Hove Albion star stands tall as the only Nigerian — male or female — shortlisted for this year’s prestigious honour.
Her nomination crowns a year defined by grit, excellence, and consistency. Before her move to England, Nnadozie enjoyed a remarkable spell at Paris FC, where she produced a string of standout performances during the 2024/25 campaign. One of her most memorable moments came in the Coupe de France Féminine final against Paris Saint-Germain Féminine — a tense showdown where she kept a clean sheet and heroically saved two penalties to hand Paris FC the title.
Beyond her club exploits, Nnadozie was equally commanding on the international stage. She played a decisive role in Nigeria’s triumph at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Rabat, Morocco, helping the Super Falcons reclaim their crown. Across six matches, she recorded four clean sheets and conceded only twice — both in the final against the hosts. Her performances earned her the Golden Glove as the tournament’s Best Goalkeeper, cementing her place among Africa’s finest.
The 24-year-old’s rise has also earned her global recognition. Earlier this year, she was shortlisted for the Women’s Yachine Trophy at the Ballon d’Or, where she finished an impressive fourth. She’s also a top contender for the CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award at the upcoming CAF Awards.
For the FIFA honour, Nnadozie will go head-to-head with some of the world’s elite shot-stoppers, including Ann-Katrin Berger (Germany), Cata Coll (Spain), Christiane Endler (Chile), Hannah Hampton (England), Anna Moorhouse (England), and Phallon Tullis-Joyce (USA).
Her nomination not only celebrates personal achievement but also reinforces Nigeria’s growing reputation as a powerhouse in women’s football — one fearless save at a time.
