Imo State Sports Commissioner, Hon. Obinna Onyeocha, has expressed his heartfelt congratulations to Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie for winning the prestigious African Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year Award for the second consecutive time. The honor was bestowed upon Nnadozie during the CAF Footballer of the Year ceremony in Morocco, held on Monday night, recognizing her extraordinary talent and exceptional contributions to women’s football across Africa.
In his congratulatory message, Hon. Onyeocha lauded Nnadozie for her impressive consistency and unmatched performances, which have continually elevated the profile of Nigerian football on the global stage. He also praised the 26-year-old shot-stopper’s determination, noting that her remarkable journey from a local footballer to one of the continent’s most decorated players has made Imo State, and Nigeria, incredibly proud.
Reflecting on Nnadozie's achievements, the Commissioner noted that her remarkable saves and leadership in goal over the past football season have solidified her place among the best athletes in Africa. He recalled how her performances were so outstanding that they led to a special recognition by Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, who had previously hosted Nnadozie and other players from the state on the Super Falcons team. The Governor’s gesture was a testament to how highly the state values Nnadozie’s achievements and her representation of Imo on the international stage.
Hon. Onyeocha also emphasized the importance of resilience and dedication in Nnadozie’s career, particularly highlighting her ability to stay focused and motivated despite narrowly missing out on the Women's Footballer of the Year Award. He urged the talented goalkeeper to continue setting new standards of excellence for the younger generation.
Celebrating her rise from Heartland Queens to becoming a global football icon, the Commissioner praised Coach Chinedu Iwu, who played a pivotal role in recognizing and developing Nnadozie’s potential. He encouraged the goalkeeper to keep pushing the boundaries of her talent, noting that her achievements have inspired not only young footballers in Imo State but across Nigeria.
In addition to celebrating Nnadozie's success, Hon. Onyeocha also extended his congratulations to Ademola Lookman, the Atalanta striker who became the second Nigerian to win the African Men’s Footballer of the Year Award consecutively, following Victor Osimhen's win the previous year. Lookman’s recognition further highlights Nigeria’s growing influence in international football, thanks to the hard work and resilience of its athletes.
Hon. Onyeocha took the opportunity to reaffirm the commitment of Governor Hope Uzodimma’s administration to continue fostering sports development and providing the necessary support for young athletes to excel. He encouraged the youth to draw inspiration from the achievements of players like Nnadozie and Lookman, stressing that with perseverance, discipline, and hard work, they too could reach the heights of global recognition.
