Latest News
Chiamaka Nnadozie reflects on historic summer after Ballon d’Or nomination
By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde
The summer of 2025 has been one to remember for Chiamaka Nnadozie, with the Nigerian goalkeeper enjoying a string of career-defining achievements.
In July, the 24-year-old helped Nigeria clinch a record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title. Just weeks earlier, she secured a dream move to the Women’s Super League (WSL), signing for Brighton after leaving Paris FC.
Her remarkable year reached another milestone when she became the first African goalkeeper ever shortlisted for the prestigious Women’s Ballon d’Or award.
“It is a miracle for me. It shows that all the hard work, dedication and everything I’ve been doing in the past has been worth it,” Nnadozie told BBC Sport.
“The world has been watching. It will make a very big impact in Africa because we have so many good players and they just need the opportunity to show what they can really do.
“It lets others know that everything is achievable and everything is possible. This nomination is not just for me, it is for Africa. It is for every young girl dreaming to become whatever they want to be. They just have to believe in themselves.”
Nnadozie believes her recognition is just the beginning and that more African players will soon feature among the Ballon d’Or nominees.
She pointed to the likes of Barbra Banda (Orlando Pride) and Temwa Chawinga (Kansas City) as examples of African stars gaining global recognition, but stressed that moving abroad should not be a prerequisite for success.
“Trust me, there are so many good talents from Africa. It is just about giving them the time and opportunity,” she said.
“In the Moroccan national team, you can see how good they are and some of them are still playing in Morocco. The South African team are the same.
“It doesn’t mean they can’t go on to play in Europe, but it shows you how big African football is growing. The federations should keep investing. They should keep doing what they are doing. They are already on the right track. I hope in the future, big competitions [like the World Cup] will come down to Africa.”
Nnadozie who won the CAF Women’s best goalkeeper award in the past two years is gradually becoming a household name on global stage and got the ground running with a clean sheet against Aston Villa in the WSL opener and also made the Team of the Matchday.
