Super Falcons’ Chiamaka Nnadozie has clinched the 2025 CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award for the third year running, edging out rivals Khadija Er-Rmichi and Andile Dlamini in Rabat. The 24-year-old’s heroics in Nigeria’s WAFCON triumph and Paris FC’s Coupe de France victory cement her legacy as Africa’s top shot-stopper. Fresh off a Ballon d’Or nomination, Nnadozie eyes more global glory with Brighton & Hove Albion. Full breakdown of her stellar season, reactions, and what’s next for the record-breaker.
RABAT, Morocco – Super Falcons star Chiamaka Nnadozie etched her name deeper into African football history on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, by winning the CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award for the third consecutive time. The 24-year-old Nigerian sensation, now with Brighton & Hove Albion, outshone Morocco’s Khadija Er-Rmichi and South Africa’s Andile Dlamini at the glittering ceremony at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University. Her back-to-back-to-back triumph—2023, 2024, and now 2025—marks her as the first African female goalkeeper to achieve such dominance, a feat celebrated amid Nigeria’s broader successes at the awards. (58 words)
Hat-Trick Heroics: Nnadozie’s Unrivaled Dominance in African Football
Chiamaka Nnadozie’s third straight CAF honor isn’t just a streak—it’s a statement of supremacy. At 24, the shot-stopper from Aba, Abia State, has redefined excellence between the posts, becoming the youngest and most decorated in her category. Voters—comprising CAF technical experts, national team coaches, and media—praised her “sustained excellence unmatched by any female African goalkeeper in recent memory.”
This win caps a whirlwind year where Nnadozie balanced club triumphs with international glory. Her journey from Paris FC to the English Women’s Super League with Brighton underscores her rising trajectory, but it’s her command in high-stakes moments that sealed the deal. As she collected the award from CAF President Patrice Motsepe, the Rabat crowd—many waving Nigerian flags—erupted, recognizing a talent who’s elevating the continent’s profile.
Nnadozie’s hat-trick joins rare company; she’s now in an “exclusive class” of multi-year dominators, akin to past icons like Morocco’s Ghizlane Chebbak in other categories. For Nigeria, it’s another feather in a night that saw the Super Falcons named Women’s National Team of the Year.
Stellar Season Breakdown: WAFCON Glory and Club Clean Sheets
Nnadozie’s 2025 was a goalkeeper’s dream, blending unbreakable resolve with trophy hauls. Internationally, she anchored Nigeria’s record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title in Morocco last August. In six matches, she notched four clean sheets, conceding just twice from open play—both in the nail-biting 3-2 final comeback against the hosts. Her penalty saves in the semi-final against South Africa were pivotal, earning her the tournament’s Golden Glove as Best Goalkeeper.
At club level with Paris FC, Nnadozie was the backbone of their Coupe de France Féminine conquest, keeping a shutout in the final against PSG Féminine and stopping two penalties in the shootout victory. She also guided the team to the French league playoffs, showcasing leadership that belies her youth. Her summer move to Brighton & Hove Albion in the WSL promises more exposure, with early signs pointing to seamless adaptation.
Global nods followed: A fourth-place finish in the Ballon d’Or’s Women’s Yachine Trophy and a shortlist spot for The Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper Award. “Her commanding displays in WAFCON history” were key, per CAF analysts.
- Nnadozie’s 2025 Key Stats:
- WAFCON: 4 clean sheets, 2 goals conceded, Golden Glove winner.
- Coupe de France: Clean sheet in final, 2 penalties saved in shootout.
- Ballon d’Or: 4th in Yachine Trophy; FIFA Best nominee.
- Career CAF Awards: 3 consecutive Goalkeeper titles (youngest ever).
These feats not only justified her win but positioned her as a beacon for aspiring African keepers.
Rivals Outshone: Er-Rmichi and Dlamini’s Strong Bids Fall Short
The competition was fierce, with Morocco’s Khadija Er-Rmichi—CAF’s 2024 Best Young Female Player—pushing hard after a breakout season with AS FAR Rabat, including WAFCON runner-up honors. Er-Rmichi’s agility and distribution skills earned her a shortlist spot, but Nnadozie’s trophy edge proved decisive.
South Africa’s Andile Dlamini, the evergreen Banyana Banyana stalwart, rounded out the trio with her Olympic bronze-medal campaign and Mamelodi Sundowns dominance. At 34, Dlamini’s experience shone, but the vote leaned toward Nnadozie’s youth and consistency. This shortlist highlighted Africa’s depth, with North and Southern representatives challenging Nigeria’s stronghold.
Nnadozie’s Joyful Reaction: ‘The World Is Not Ready for Africa’s Rise’
Beaming onstage, Nnadozie couldn’t contain her elation. “Winning this award for the third time is huge for my career,” she told reporters, her voice laced with gratitude. In a viral clip, she declared, “I’m not sure the world is ready for what’s coming out from Africa… In the nearest future, all the African goalkeepers will be there competing against the best.” She dedicated the honor to her family, Super Falcons teammates, and young Nigerian girls dreaming big.
The moment’s poignancy amplified on social media, where her speech clip racked up thousands of views. Nnadozie, ever the optimist, hinted at bigger ambitions: “This is just the beginning.”
- Standout Quotes from Nnadozie:
- On the streak: “Huge for my career and family.”
- On Africa’s future: “The world is not ready for what’s coming.”
- Gratitude: “To my teammates and supporters—thank you.”
Her words resonated, inspiring a wave of pride across the diaspora.
Social Media Storm: X Erupts in Nigerian Pride and Global Cheers
The announcement lit up X, with #NnadozieCAF and #CAFAwards2025 trending in Nigeria. Vivian’s post—”Igbo excellence 👏🏽”—garnered over 500 likes, celebrating her roots. @mrNigeria002 quipped, “Goalkeeper hat-trick unlocked! 🧤🧤🧤,” while @tweetedbyCC tallied her wins: “Greatness 👏🏿 🇳🇬.”
SportyBet’s celebratory graphic, featuring Nnadozie alongside Hakimi and Chebbak, drew 350+ engagements. RadioNow953FM and Africa Transfer Market amplified the buzz with photos and videos of her onstage smile. Fans from Morocco and South Africa offered gracious congrats, underscoring continental unity. One thread joked, “David Raya of Brighton? Nah, it’s Chiamaka’s house now.”
Channels Television called it “writing her name in African football folklore,” a sentiment echoed in over 8,000 views on @VivianRora’s post.
Future Horizons: Olympics Push and Global Ambitions
With this trifecta secured, Nnadozie turns to Brighton’s WSL campaign and Nigeria’s Olympic qualifiers against Zambia in February 2026. Her form positions the Super Falcons for a Paris redemption after missing 2024. CAF’s biennial WAFCON revival and expanded Club World Cup loom as new battlegrounds.
As Africa’s goalkeeping vanguard, Nnadozie’s trajectory—from WAFCON walls to WSL spotlights—signals a shift. “Competing against the best” isn’t hyperbole; it’s her blueprint. For young keepers watching, she’s proof: Barriers break with grit.
In wrapping up, Chiamaka Nnadozie’s third consecutive CAF Women’s Goalkeeper award crowns a year of unyielding brilliance, from WAFCON shutouts to Coupe triumphs, inspiring Africa’s next wave. As she eyes Olympic gold and WSL glory, her message rings clear: The continent’s talents are rising, ready to claim the world stage. Here’s to more saves, more stories.
For full CAF Awards recaps, head to CAF Online.