No Osimhen, no Lookman: Nigerian star shines as FIFA The Best nominee

No Victor Osimhen or Ademola Lookman, but FIFA The Best Men’s Player category features Ousmane Dembélé, Lamine Yamal, Kylian Mbappé, and others…

Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie has been nominated for the 2025 The Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper Award, Soccernet.ng reports.

The nomination for the prestigious award makes her the only Nigerian on this year’s shortlist.

The 23-year-old joins a list that includes Ann-Katrin Berger (Germany and Gotham FC), Cata Coll (Spain and Barcelona), Christiane Endler (Chile and Olympique Lyonnais), Hannah Hampton (England and Chelsea), Anna Moorhouse (England and Orlando Pride), and Phallon Tullis-Joyce (USA and Manchester United).

Nnadozie's FIFA The Best Award Is No Surprise

Nnadozie’s nomination comes as no surprise following her outstanding performances for Paris FC before completing her move to Brighton & Hove Albion earlier this season.

The Nigerian shot-stopper played a pivotal role in Paris FC’s impressive UEFA Women’s Champions League campaign.

This earned her widespread praise for her penalty-saving heroics and commanding presence between the sticks.

No Osimhen, No Lookman

Despite her nomination, Nigeria’s male stars Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman were notably absent from the men’s category.

This has sparked debate among Nigerian football fans. Both players have enjoyed standout moments for their clubs in Europe, but the omission underscores the stiff competition for places among football’s global elite.

For Nnadozie, however, this recognition marks another milestone in her fast-rising career. The Nigerian international, who also impressed at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, continues to be a beacon of African excellence in women’s football.

Voting for The Best FIFA Football Awards is currently open, with national team captains, coaches, journalists, and fans all contributing to the final outcome.

If Nnadozie wins, she would become the first African goalkeeper to claim the prestigious honour — a feat that would further cement her legacy as one of the finest goalkeepers in the women’s game.