The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has congratulated Super Falcons and Brighton & Hove Albion’s goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie on her fourth-place finish at this year’s Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris on Monday.

Head of NFF’s Media and Communications Department, Ademola Olajire, stated this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

Nnadozie, who has been Africa’s best goalkeeper for the past two years, was also named goalkeeper of the tournament for this summer’s Women Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) finals in Morocco.

She played a key role in Nigeria’s 10th triumph at WAFCON.

“We heartily congratulate Nnadozie on her fourth-place finish in the race. It is a commendable feat given the calibre of goalkeepers she was up against. Finishing fourth is a big achievement, and we believe in her capacity to win this trophy very soon,” NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi said.

Mr Sanusi also gave kudos to Super Falcons’ Head Coach Justine Madugu, who also finished fourth in the Women’s Coach of the Year category.

He said, “Madugu’s feat further underscores the fact that the NFF was right to have given him the Super Falcons’ job, which had earlier been validated with him leading the team to victory. We congratulate him on this feat and wish him victory in the awards in the coming years.’’

Nnadozie finished fourth behind England and Chelsea FC’s Hannah Hampton, who took home the Trophée Yachine, Gotham FC’s Ann-Katrin Berger and Barcelona FC’s Cata Coll.

She, however, finished above Arsenal FC’s Daphne van Domselaar in the top five.

Madugu was fourth in a race won by Sarina Wiegman, who led England to the UEFA Women’s Championship title, and which also included Chelsea’s Sonia Bompastor, Brazil’s Arthur Elias and Arsenal FC’s Renée Slegers.   

(NAN)