Nnadozie, Shortlisted for Inaugural Women’s Yachine Trophy, Finishes Fourth

Nigeria’s Super Falcons goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie, has once again made history on the global football stage after being recognised among the world’s best shot-stoppers.

The Brighton & Hove Albion star was shortlisted for the first-ever Women’s Yachine Trophy, awarded to the top female goalkeeper of the year, and reportedly finished in fourth place.

The Women’s Yachine Trophy, introduced in 2025 as the female equivalent of the prestigious Lev Yashin Trophy for men, honours goalkeepers whose performances have defined the football season.

Nnadozie’s nomination was historic on its own, as she became the first African goalkeeper to be considered for the award.

The shortlist featured five standout goalkeepers: Spain’s Cata Coll, Germany’s Ann-Katrin Berger, England’s Hannah Hampton, the Netherlands’ Daphne van Domselaar, and Nigeria’s Chiamaka Nnadozie. The recognition reflects Nnadozie’s consistent displays both at club level with Brighton and internationally with Nigeria, where she has earned a reputation for agility, leadership, and penalty-saving prowess.

Speaking after the announcement of her nomination, Nnadozie expressed pride in representing Nigeria and Africa on such a global platform.

“It is an honour to stand among the best in the world. This recognition motivates me to keep working harder,” she said in an earlier interview.

Although details of the final rankings remain closely watched, reports indicate that Nnadozie placed fourth overall — an impressive showing in the award’s maiden edition and a milestone for African women’s football.

Her achievement has been widely celebrated by Nigerian fans, football associations, and fellow players, who see it as a breakthrough moment for African representation at the highest levels of the game.

It also comes at a time when African women’s football continues to gain international recognition, with more players competing in Europe’s top leagues.

With this landmark nomination and finish, Nnadozie cements her place among the world’s elite goalkeepers and raises hopes that future editions of the Women’s Yachine Trophy will continue to spotlight African excellence on the global stage.