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By Peter Akinbo
Super Falcons goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie has earned the praise of the Confederation of African Football and her teammates after she was named the player of the match as she put on an outstanding performance against Canada in their 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup opener at the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium on Friday.
The 22-year-old ensured her home country, Nigeria secured a valuable point against the Olympics Champions, Canada after saving Christine Sinclair’s penalty kick early in the second half to ensure the match ended 0-0.
The huge highlight was Nnaodzie’s stoppage of Sinclair’s penalty, but she was outstanding throughout the entire game, often intercepting passes into the box before they could even develop into shots.
Praising the shot-stopper for her confident display, CAF wrote on their women’s football Twitter handle, “Super Falcons’ saviour! Chiamaka Nnadozie excelled in her nation’s World Cup opener with a saved penalty, a clean sheet, and a Player of the Match award!”
“Chiamaka has done this before and I will say this and I will embarrass her in front of you all, but I think she’s one of the best young goalkeepers in the world right now,” Waldrum said.
19-year-old midfielder, Abiodun Deborah who got sent off in added time of the tie thanked Nnadozie for rescuing the team from defeat.
“Thank you. God bless you always Safe hands,” she wrote.
Defender Onome Ebi also wrote, “Chiamaka Nnadozie deservedly wins the Player of the Match Award. No surprises.”
Nnadozie will hope to help the Falcons overcome co-hosts Australia in their second Group B game on Thursday, July 27.