By: Chinedum Ohanusi
The leadership of the National Association for Women in Sports (NAWIS), has joined
President Bola Tinubu, and many other well-meaning Nigerians in congratulating goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, and the Super Falcons of Nigeria, for the accolades, they scooped at the 2024 CAF Awards, held on Monday night, in Marrakech, Morocco.
Nnadozie who was beaten to the African Player of the year, by Zambia’s Barbara Banda; was for the second year running, named Africa’s best Goalkeeper (women), at the glamorous awards ceremony.
Record nine-time African Champions, the Super Falcons of Nigeria were also named the team of the year (Women); at the ceremony.
“By her performances, in-between the goal for FC Paris, and the Falcons Chiamaka, has for a while left no one in doubt that she’s most deserving of this award; and for the Super Falcons, this should spur them to win the 2025 AWCON in Morocco; and the NFF has got a lot to do in ensuring that the team gets the best preparation, and support to do the nation proud again”, she asserted.President of NAWIS, Professor Mariam Suleiman of the Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, praised Chiamaka and the entire Super Falcons team, saying this should motivate them to reclaim the African women’s Cup of Nations crown, now held by South Africa’s Banyana Banyana.
At the same glittering ceremony, Atalanta Bergamo and Super Eagles forward, Ademola Lookman was crowned the new King of African Football, by winning the 2024 CAF Men’s Player of the Year award, and NAWIS has also reserved praise for the exploits of the Atalanta Bergamo star forward.
In a message to the Award winners, President Tinubu was quoted by his Chief Spokesperson, Bayo Ononuga as celebrating the award winning trio as “worthy ambassadors who showcased their talent and brought honour to the country on the continental and global stages.
The NAWIS President said the recognition of goalkeeper Chiamaka and the Super Falcons by Africa’s highest football authority is consistent with the exploits of Team Nigeria’s women folks, and should inspire other upcoming athletes, especially women to remain steadfast in pursuing their dreams”.
