The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has congratulated Super Falcons’ goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie, on her fourth-place finish at the prestigious Ballon d’Or awards held in Paris on Monday night.
In a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja, Ademola Olajire, Head of NFF’s Media and Communications, described the recognition as a proud moment for Nigerian football.
Nnadozie, who has been named Africa’s Best Goalkeeper for the past two years, also claimed the Goalkeeper of the Tournament award at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) finals in Morocco, where she was pivotal in Nigeria’s 10th continental triumph.
“We heartily congratulate Nnadozie on her fourth-place finish in the race. 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,” NFF General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi, said.
Sanusi also extended praise to Super Falcons’ Head Coach, Justine Madugu, who placed fourth in the Women’s Coach of the Year category.
“Madugu’s feat further underscores the fact that the NFF was right to have given him the Super Falcons’ job, which had earlier been validated with him leading the team to victory. We congratulate him on this feat and wish him victory in the awards in the coming years,” Sanusi added.
Nnadozie finished behind England and Chelsea’s Hannah Hampton, who clinched the Trophée Yachine, Gotham FC’s Ann-Katrin Berger, and Barcelona’s Cata Coll. She, however, placed above Arsenal’s Daphne van Domselaar.
Madugu’s category was won by Sarina Wiegman, who guided England to the UEFA Women’s Championship title. Chelsea’s Sonia Bompastor, Brazil’s Arthur Elias and Arsenal’s Renée Slegers also featured among the top nominees.
