NNADOZIE SHINES DESPITE MISSING WOMEN’S YASHIN TROPHY

By: Gyang Dakwo

Super Falcons and Brighton and Hove Albion goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie missed out on the 2025 Women’s Yashin Trophy as she finished in fourth place, which remains a strong showing.

The award is part of the Ballon d’Or ceremony and it celebrates the best female goalkeeper in the world. Chelsea star Hannah Hampton came first, and she was followed by Ann Katrin Berger of Gotham FC in second place and Barcelona’s Cata Coll in third. Daphne van Domselaar of Arsenal completed the top five.

Nnadozie’s nomination was proof of an amazing year for both her club and country. She helped Nigeria win the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco as the Super Falcons claimed their tenth title. She conceded only two goals in open play and kept four clean sheets.

At club level she made history when she joined Brighton and Hove Albion because she became the first Nigerian goalkeeper to play in the English Women’s Super League. Before that she won the 2024 UNFP Goalkeeper of the Season while at Paris FC, and she also lifted the Coupe de France Féminine after making key penalty saves in the final.

Even though she did not win the Yashin Trophy, her nomination is a huge moment for African football as it shows her rise on the world stage and confirms her place as one of the best goalkeepers today.