The Imo State Government has congratulated Super Falcons goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie, on winning her second consecutive African Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year Award.
This was conveyed in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Sports Development, Obinna Onyeocha, in Owerri on Wednesday.
The award was presented to Nnadozie during the CAF Footballer of the Year ceremony held on Monday in Marrakech, Morocco.
Onyeocha praised Nnadozie’s consistent and stellar performances, which have brought immense pride to both Imo State and Nigeria. He commended her unwavering commitment and highlighted her heroic displays throughout the past football season that earned her a place among Africa’s elite athletes.
The commissioner further applauded Nnadozie’s dedication, encouraging her to remain focused despite narrowly missing out on the Women’s Footballer of the Year Award.
He recalled the recognition Nnadozie received earlier when Governor Hope Uzodimma hosted her alongside other Super Falcons players of Imo origin, emphasizing her steady rise from Heartland Queens of Owerri to becoming a globally celebrated footballer.
Onyeocha acknowledged the contributions of Chinedu Iwu, who discovered and nurtured Nnadozie’s talent, and urged her to continue striving for excellence.
“Your achievements serve as an inspiration to young athletes in Imo State and across the nation. We encourage you to keep representing Imo and Nigeria with pride and determination,” Onyeocha stated.
He also extended congratulations to Ademola Lookman for clinching the African Men’s Footballer of the Year Award, following Victor Osimhen’s win in 2023. Onyeocha expressed pride in Nigeria’s growing recognition on the global football stage, attributing these successes to the skill, hard work, and resilience of Nigerian players.
Reaffirming Governor Uzodimma’s unwavering commitment to sports development, the commissioner encouraged young athletes to emulate the dedication and perseverance exemplified by Nnadozie and Lookman, noting that hard work remains the key to achieving global recognition.
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