Winner of the 2023 CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of The Year award Chiamaka Nnadozie revealed her father wasn’t in support of her football dream and career pursuit.
Nnadozie mentioned this after receiving the ‘Best goal keeper of the Year Award at the ceremony in Marrakech, Morocco.The Paris FC goalkeeper contended with Morocco’s Khadija Er-Rmichi and South Africa’s Andile Dlamini.
She stated ”I just want to use this great opportunity to say a very great thank you to the organisers and also for remembering the female goalkeeper this year,” she said.
“I also want to say a very big thank you to the Nigerian football president for everything he has done in the Nigerian league and female football. I am a product of Nigerian female football.
“Also, thank you to my club, Paris FC for all the encouragement and thanks to everyone who voted for me and who nominated me.“And to all the young girls who grew up in Africa, dreaming of becoming footballers one day—believe me, dreams do come true.
“My dad never wanted me to play, but I am sure he is going to see this tonight and he is going to be happy.“Keep dreaming; keep working hard. Thank you.
”Nnadozie began her career at Rivers Angels in Nigeria before joining the French club in 2020.The resilient goal keeper has also kept a track record of clean sheet for Paris FC, leading them through the group stages of the Women’s Champions League with her penalty shootout saves.
The 23-year-old was instrumental to the Super Falcons at the last FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, helping them reach the round of 16 before they were beaten by England on penalties.Nnadozie, however, missed out on the CAF Women’s XI to South Africa’s Andile Dlamini.