Brighton Ladies of England goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie is still relishing her fourth place finish in the first ever Ballon d’Or global ranking for the Women’s Yashin Trophy, but that cannot stop her from hailing a Nigerian legend she watched while growing up.
Sports247 reports that the 24-year-old Nnadozie on Monday night made history as the first ever African shot-stopper to be ranked in the top-five bracket of either male or female ratings for the annual global award, as her stock continues rising rapidly just two years after breaking into Nigeria’s senior squad.
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The Falcons’ ‘keeper, who previously starred for Rivers Angels of Port Harcourt and Paris FC of France, emerged ahead of Netherlands’ ace, Daphne van Domselaar, who finished in fifth spot, while first on the log went to Chelsea of England sensation, Hannah Hampton.
Also ahead of Nnadozie on the final placements were Ann-Katrin Berger of Germany in second spot and Cata Coll of Spain, who ranked third, but the major talking point on the night was about Nigeria’s current safest pair of hands and Africa’s best female shot-stopper for the second year running – Chiamaka Nnadozie!
However, while accolades roll out in her favour, the lass from Orlu in Imo State vowed that she won’t forget an icon who reigned before her, as she gained so much inspiration from watching Precious Dede in goal and was happy with the opportunity she got playing under the legend, who is now a trainer in the national team.
Nnadozie revealed, “Precious Dede has been a role model unto me right from day one. I grew up watching her play. I was impressed by her super saves and her super moves. She’s a legend that never gives up. She’s this legend that’s always fighting till the end. I grew up watching her and learning from her. Up till today, I’m still learning from her.”
Nnadozie went on to reveal the depth of awe that she has for Dede and recalled how she cherished working under the most capped Nigerian ‘keeper, who had a total of 99 national team appearances in the green-and-white jersey before retiring in March 2016.
Nnadozie continued her eulogies, saying: “I’m so happy that I’ve come to know her in person, and I know she’s a courageous woman. She’s a brave woman. She’s so smart, and yet she’s humble to the core. I’m so happy to know her in person and to work with her in the national teams. During the under-20 days, she was my coach, and I enjoyed working with her.”
Nnadozie concluded by revealing other forms of motivation she gets from Dede, who was the first choice at Delta Queens of Asaba, Rivers Angels of Port Harcourt and Bayelsa Queens of Yenagoa during her heyday, plus a year’s stint at Ama-Bjormar of Norway in 2009.
“She always encouraged me and other goalkeepers. Sometimes, she even gives us gloves personally … just to encourage us. She’s also a person who carries everybody along,” Nnadozie concluded.
Sports247 adds that, while Nnadozie won her first Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title a few months ago, 44-year-old Dede won it in 2010 and 2014, along which she also enjoyed top placements at the 2008 and 2012 editions as well.
