Super Falcons goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie, says being the only goalkeeper nominated in the CAF Women’s Player of the Year category connotes being the best shot stopper in Africa.

In an exclusive interview with The PUNCH, Nnadozie said the nomination came as a surprise to her.

She was nominated for the award alongside Asisat Oshoala (Nigeria), Uchenna Kanu (Nigeria), Ajara Nchout (Cameroon), Ange N’guessan (Ivory Coast), Elizabeth Addo (Ghana), Gabrielle Ouguene (Cameroon), Rafiloe Jane (South Africa), Tabitha Chawinga (Malawi) and Christen Thembi Khatlana (South Africa).

However, the Rivers Angels keeper doubted her chances of winning the award, saying other contenders for the award were better.

She said, “Yes, I want to be nominated for awards but not with this calibre of players for now. I once dreamt to be the best goalkeeper in Africa and win awards globally.

“I am the only goalkeeper nominated in the women’s category. It gives me a lot of confidence and a sense that I’m the best in Africa. It is not easy, among all the players in Africa, a goalkeeper was picked.”

Nnadozie expressed delight over the nomination, saying, “I am happy about it. I felt so good. It assures me that the world is seeing what I’m doing. I am not just alone. The world is behind me and giving me more encouragement. I will put more effort to do more.

“After the award, Nigerians should expect nothing but the best from me. I want to make my country proud. I didn’t expect this. I didn’t even know that things like this can come up. I never knew CAF was watching my performance. It was a shock when I saw it.”

Nnadozie helped Rivers Angels win last season’s Nigeria Women’s Professional League Super 4 tournament with fantastic saves, including two penalties against Bayelsa Queens in their 4-2 shootout win in the semi-final.

The 18-year-old goal keeper had terrific year with the Falcons, winning the Africa Women’s Cup Of Nations followed by the 2019 WAFU Union Cup. She helped the Falcons reach the Round of 16 at the 2019 Women’s World Cup, after representing Nigeria at U-17 and U-20 levels.