Nigeria's Super Falcons shot-stopper Chiamaka Nnadozie has etched her name deeper into African football history by claiming the 2025 Confederation of African Football (CAF) Women's Goalkeeper of the Year award.
The 24-year-old secured the prestigious honor for the third straight year, triumphing over Morocco's Khadija Er-Rmichi (AS FAR) and South Africa's Andile Dlamini (Mamelodi Sundowns) at a glittering ceremony held at the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University in Rabat.
This remarkable hat-trick following victories in the award's inaugural year of 2023 and again in 2024 underscores Nnadozie's unparalleled dominance in the position, making her the first goalkeeper to achieve such a feat in the women's category since the award's introduction.
Born on December 8, 2000, in Orlu, Imo State, Nigeria, Nnadozie's journey to the pinnacle of African women's football began humbly with Rivers Angels in the Nigerian Women's Football League, where she won multiple domestic titles.
Her breakthrough came in European football when she joined Paris FC in January 2020, quickly establishing herself as a reliable force in France's Division 1 Féminine.
Earlier in 2025, she made a high-profile move to English Women's Super League side Brighton & Hove Albion, where she has continued to impress with commanding performances, including a Player of the Match debut and nominations for monthly awards.
On the international stage, Nnadozie has been instrumental for Nigeria's Super Falcons. Her standout contributions came during the 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) held in Morocco, where she kept four clean sheets in six matches, conceded just two goals from open play, and played a pivotal role in Nigeria's dramatic penalty-shootout victories en route to a record-extending 10th continental title.
She was rightfully named Goalkeeper of the Tournament, further solidifying her reputation for clutch saves and leadership under pressure.
Nnadozie's excellence has transcended the continent this year. She earned a historic nomination for the 2025 Yashin Trophy at the Ballon d'Or becoming the first African player ever shortlisted and finished fourth in the global rankings for the Women's Yashin Trophy. Additionally, she was shortlisted for FIFA's The Best Women's Goalkeeper award, highlighting her growing influence on the world stage.
At just 24, Nnadozie has already amassed an enviable resume: multiple clean sheets at FIFA Women's World Cups (including becoming the youngest goalkeeper to record one at the 2019 edition), penalty-saving heroics against top nations like Canada, and consistent recognition as one of the world's elite shot-stoppers.
Her composure, aerial dominance, and ability to organize defenses have drawn comparisons to legendary goalkeepers, and she continues to inspire a new generation of African female talents.
This latest accolade caps a stellar 2025 for Nigerian women's football, with the Super Falcons also named Women's National Team of the Year at the same ceremony.
Congratulations to Chiamaka Nnadozie on this well-deserved recognition a true ambassador for African women's football.