Brighton boss lauds Nnadozie after Women’s Yashin Trophy nod despite loss

Brighton & Hove Albion coach Dario Vidosic has spoken highly of Chiamaka Nnadozie, even though she narrowly missed out on the inaugural Women’s Yashin Trophy at the 2025 Ballon d’Or awards. Nnadozie was beaten to the prize by Chelsea’s standout goalkeeper.

The 24 year old Nigerian shot-stopper earned widespread praise for her performances over the summer, which included helping the Super Falcons lift the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations for the tenth time. She kept four successive clean sheets in the group stage, including wins over Tunisia (3-0) and Botswana (1-0), a draw against Algeria, and a comfortable quarter-final victory over Zambia.

Vidosic said “For Chiamaka to be recognised at this level is incredible, and she should be extremely proud.” The praise underscores not only her goalkeeping ability but also her growing influence both domestically and internationally.

Editorial

We believe that Chiamaka Nnadozie’s recognition at the Ballon d’Or even without securing the Yashin Trophy — marks a significant milestone for African football, and particularly for women’s football. Her performances in the recent WAFCON showed she is not just a dependable last line of defence, but a defining presence capable of lifting her team’s belief. To receive such global attention reflects how far the game has progressed.

It’s easy to measure success only in trophies, but moments like this matter deeply. They shift narratives, open doors, and redefine expectations. For Nnadozie, being a nominee places her among the elite, sends a message to young goalkeepers back home, and gives her a platform from which she can inspire. Vidosic’s words do more than commend they amplify that platform. Recognition from one’s coach carries weight; it confirms belief and adds emotional fuel that can drive performance.

That said, we are mindful of the pressure that follows visibility. Being in the limelight invites scrutiny and expectations. The challenge now for Nnadozie is to remain consistent, to build on these highs, and to grow mentally as well as physically. The foundation is solid the clean sheets, the WAFCON performances but sustaining that level requires discipline, resilience, and continued support.

We expect that this moment will serve as both reward and motivator. Reward because she has earned worthy praise; motivator because she knows there is more to achieve. Africa has cause to celebrate a talent rising, and we believe Nnadozie’s prime is still ahead.

Did You Know?

1. Chiamaka Nnadozie was nominated for the Women’s Yashin Trophy in 2025, making her the first African goalkeeper to receive such a nomination.
2. In WAFCON 2024, she kept four consecutive clean sheets in the group stage over Tunisia, Botswana, Algeria (draw), and then in the quarter-final against Zambia.
3. Her move to Brighton & Hove Albion took place in July 2025, from French side Paris FC.
4. The Women’s Yashin Trophy is awarded by Ballon d’Or organisers to the best goalkeeper in women’s football, and Nnadozie’s nomination reflects the increasingly global profile of African players.
5. Despite not winning the Yashin Trophy, Nnadozie was already a two-time WAFCON champion by the time of her nomination.