Nnadozie makes history with Third consecutive CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year Award

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

In a glittering ceremony at the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, Nigeria’s Chiamaka Nnadozie etched her name deeper into African football folklore by claiming the CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award for an unprecedented third straight time.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) officially crowned the 24-year-old Super Falcons shot-stopper as the continent’s top female goalkeeper for 2025, capping a remarkable year that saw her dominate both club and international stages.

Nnadozie, who now plays for Brighton & Hove Albion in the English Women’s Super League after a stellar stint at Paris FC, fended off stiff competition from Morocco’s Khadija Er-Rmichi (AS FAR) and South Africa’s Andile Dlamini (Mamelodi Sundowns) to secure the hat-trick.

“Back-to-back-to-back! Chiamaka Nnadozie made it once, twice, then a habit!” declared CAF’s official X account shortly after the announcement, capturing the sentiment of a continent in awe of her consistency.

Nnadozie’s latest triumph builds on her previous wins in 2023 and 2024, making her the first woman to achieve a three-peat in this category since its inception.

Her 2025 campaign was defined by heroic performances at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2024,  held earlier in the year in Morocco, where she earned the Golden Glove as the tournament’s best goalkeeper.

Nigeria clinched a record-extending 10th title, with Nnadozie conceding just three goals across six matches, including crucial clean sheets that underpinned the Super Falcons’ defensive solidity.

On the club front, Nnadozie’s commanding presence helped Paris FC secure the Coupe de France Féminine before her summer move to Brighton.

Her global recognition peaked with a fourth-place finish in the inaugural Women’s Yashin Trophy at the 2025 Ballon d’Or and nominations for FIFA’s The Best Women’s Goalkeeper award.

Speaking on her achievement, Nnadozie has previously credited her success to relentless dedication and the support of her teammates, often emphasizing her role in inspiring young African girls to pursue goalkeeping, a position historically underrepresented in women’s football.

The Super Falcons also enjoyed a strong night in Rabat, with Nigeria reinforcing its status as a powerhouse in women’s football. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade was a finalist for Women’s Player of the Year, underscoring the team’s depth.