Brighton & Hove Albion Women’s team coach, Dario Vidosic, don shower praise on Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie after she finish fourth in di 2025 Ballon d’Or women’s Goalkeeper of di Year category. Di recognition come after Nnadozie’s impressive performances for both club and country, making her di first Nigerian and African female goalkeeper to reach such global spotlight.

Vidosic talk say, “For Chiamaka to be recognised at this level is incredible, and she should be extremely proud.” Di coach highlight her consistency, leadership, and sharp reflexes wey don help Brighton secure key wins since she join di club earlier this year. Nnadozie don make 14 saves in her first three matches, including five crucial stops against West Ham last weekend.

Di Ballon d’Or ceremony, wey happen for Paris, see Nnadozie finish behind Chelsea’s Hannah Hampton, Gotham FC’s Ann-Katrin Berger, and Barcelona’s Cata Coll. She beat Arsenal’s Daphne van Domselaar to seal her spot in di top five. Di award, known as Trophée Yachine, dey named after legendary Soviet goalkeeper Lev Yashin, and na one of di most prestigious honours for goalkeepers worldwide.

Back home, di Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) also congratulate Nnadozie for her achievement. NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, say her success show say Nigerian women football dey grow strong and dey command respect globally. He also hail Super Falcons coach Justine Madugu wey finish fourth in di Women’s Coach of di Year category, praising his leadership during Nigeria’s 10th WAFCON triumph4.

As Nnadozie continue her journey with Brighton, fans and analysts dey hopeful say she go maintain her form and possibly win di top prize in future editions. Her rise don inspire many young African girls wey dey dream of playing football at di highest level. Di recognition no just be personal victory, but also a win for African women in sports.