THE Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has congratulated Super Falcons and Brighton goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie on her fourth-place finish at this year’s Ballon d’Or Women’s Yachine Trophy ranking last night.
Nnadozie, who has been African Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year twice in a row, was also named Goalkeeper of the Tournament for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco in July, where she played a key role in Nigeria’s record-extending 10th triumph.
“We heartily congratulate Chiamaka Nnadozie on her fourth-place finish in the race,” NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, said.
“It is a commendable feat given the calibre of goalkeepers she was up against. Finishing fourth is a big achievement and we believe in her capacity to win this trophy very soon.”
Sanusi also gave kudos to Super Falcons head coach Justine Madugu, who also finished fourth in the Women’s Coach of the Year category.
He added: “Coach Madugu’s feat further underscores the fact that the NFF was right to have given him the Super Falcons’ head coach’s role, which had earlier been validated with him leading the team to victory at the WAFCON in Morocco.
“We congratulate him on this feat and wish him victory in the awards in the coming years.”
Nnadozie finished fourth behind England and Chelsea FC’s Hannah Hampton who took home the Trophée Yachine (named after former Soviet goalkeeper Lev Yashin), Gotham FC’s Ann-Katrin Berger and Barcelona FC’s Cata Coll. She however finished above Arsenal’s Daphne van Domselaar.
Madugu was fourth in a race won by Sarina Wiegman, who led England to the UEFA Women’s European Championship title, and which also included Chelsea’s Sonia Bompastor, Brazil’s Arthur Elias and Arsenal FC’s Renée Slegers.
France and Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembele won the main Ballon d’Or prize for men, with Aitana Bonmati of Spain and Barcelona claiming the women’s award for the third straight year.