Falode congratulates Nnadozie, extols Gusau’s women football development initiatives

The Chairperson of the Women’s Football Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation, Ms. Aisha Falode, has congratulated Super Falcons of Nigeria and Paris Football Club goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie, for her consistent heroic displays for both club and country.
The former Rivers Angels goalkeeper made a penalty save to help her club, Paris Football Club keep a clean sheet in a second leg match against Wolfsburg Ladies of Germany at home having played a 3 all draw in Germany. Her performance earned her club qualification to the group stage of the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
Falode, former Chairperson of the Nigerian Women Football League board who brought her expertise to the development and professionalism of the women’s league in Nigeria, while Chiamaka was still playing in the domestic league stated that: “Chiamaka’s courageous displays in the past can not be overlooked.
“It is no longer news that the same impeccable display by her, saving two penalties against a traditional Arsenal Ladies that ended their campaign in the Uefa Women’s Champions League in same qualifiers. This shows that she is a World class goalkeeper and a good ambassador of the NWFL.”
Aisha Falode, who is a board member of the Nigeria Football Federation and was the Head of Delegation for the Nigeria team to the FIFA Women’s World Cup in France 2019 inputted that the World Cup was the turning point for Chiamaka.
Falode explained further that, Nnadozie used that platform to set a record as the youngest goalkeeper to keep a clean sheet at that level , she was 18 years old then.
“Nigerians are yet to forget her heroic performance at the recently concluded FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia/New Zealand.
“She not only started the journey of the ouster of the current Olympic Champions, Canada, out of the World Cup with her heroic penalty save and the player of the match award.“
The former member of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Media Committee was emphatic that Chiamaka deserved to be among the top goalkeepers shortlisted by FIFA and top 3 nominees for the 2023 CAF Woman Player of The Year.
“She is arguably the best goalkeeper in Africa. Her composure, command in between the sticks, leadership qualities and sound judgement are attributes that distinguish her.
Ever since she took over from Tochukwu Oluehi in the Senior Women World Cup held in France 2019, it has been from one accolade to the other for her.
Her rise cannot be complete without the Nigeria Football Federation that gave her the platform for the world to see her and this she humbly acknowledged.”
Four years later Nnadozie proved her performance in France was not a fluke and showed how valuable she could be to the Super Falcons and Nigeria. She donned the captain’ band in Australia with a joyous consistent performance all through.
Chiamaka Nnadozie while speaking with Madam Aisha Falode popularly called ‘MamaSports’ beaming with smiles. ”I can only give God the Glory in my Football career.
“I want to make a huge difference in my career and also help Nigeria and my club at every level.
“I want to make Nigeria proud. Help me thank the NFF President, Ibrahim Gusau, for his consistent and incontestable support for the continued growth and development of all our national women’s teams since he came on board as the president of the NFF.
“I will also appreciate President Gusau for the opportunity I was given to serve and serve well. I hope to consistently bring joy to my fans and Nigerians.“
Another Midfeild General of the Super Falcons, Christy Ucheibe,, also had a hand in SL Benfica’s progress to the group stage as they thrashed Apollon Limassol in the UEFA Women’s Champions League qualifiers.
Ucheibe was one of the two players that successfully scored their kick from the penalty spot against England in the round of 16 , a game Falcons lost despite a spirited and well appreciated applause from fans all over the world.
Aisha Falode who is an elite CAF Match Co-ordinator was full of praises and thankful to NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau whom in strong terms she stated is a leader that is very patient and believes in an all inclusive leadership style.
“He gave women leadership positions in the women’s football community and would do anything to support the growth of women football.
“It is no surprise that the Flamingos our U-17 team was the third best nation at the World Cup in India in their category.
Gusau had lunch with the young ladies, very fatherly and quite inspiring.
He also gave total support to the Super Falcons before, during and after the World Cup in Australia.
He has resolved to give total support to the Super Falcons in their quest to qualify for the next Olympics come July 2024.
Gusau is also confident that the Super Falcons will complete La Decimal in the next African Women’s Cup of Nations in Morocco next year,“Falode rounded up.