History-making Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie believes her Ballon d’Or nomination can have widespread ramifications, not only for Nigerian women’s football, but across the entire African continent, Footynaija.com reports.
Nnadozie has enjoyed a very rewarding period in her blossoming football career this summer. The capable shot-stopper secured a huge move to the English Women’s Super League, joining Brighton and Hove Albion from Paris FC before going on to help Nigeria’s Super Falcons win a record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations crown.
Prior to her Brighton move and continental success with the Super Falcons, Nnadozie had played a starring role for her former club on their way to claiming the Coupe de France Feminine. With these exploits to her name, it was no surprise that the 24-year-old earned a nomination for the women’s Ballon d’Or award.
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Reflecting on her nomination, Nnadozie, the first African goalkeeper to be shortlisted for the women’s Ballon d’Or award, told BBC Sport how much the recognition means to her and the entire African continent.
What Chiamaka Nnadozie said
“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 said.
“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 has made an impressive start to her Brighton career, earning the club’s Player of the Match award after she denied all four of Aston Villa’s shots on target in Sunday’s goalless draw.
