The Imo Government has congratulated Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie on winning a second consecutive African Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year Award.

This is contained in a statement by the state’s Commissioner for Sports Development, Obinna Onyeocha, in Owerri, on Wednesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the award was presented to Nnadozie during the CAF Footballer of the Year ceremony held in Marrakech, Morocco on Monday.

Onyeocha commended Nnadozie’s consistency and outstanding performances, which he said had continued to bring pride to Imo and Nigeria.

The commissioner highlighted Nnadozie’s heroic displays during the past football season, which earned her recognition as one of Africa’s finest athletes.

 Onyeocha praised the goalkeeper for her dedication and encouraged her to remain resilient in spite of narrowly missing out on the Women’s Footballer of the Year Award.

He recalled her exceptional form which led to an earlier reception by the Gov. Hope Uzodimma, who hosted Nnadozie alongside other Super Falcons players from the state.

He also celebrated Nnadozie’s rise from playing for Heartland Queens of Owerri to becoming one of the most renowned footballers in Africa and globally.

The commissioner lauded the role of Chinedu Iwu, who discovered and nurtured her talent, and urged the goalkeeper to continue striving for excellence.

 “Your dedication and achievements inspire young athletes across the state and nation, so we urge you to keep the flag of Imo and Nigeria flying high,” he said.

He  extended his felicitations to Ademola Lookman, who won the African Men’s Footballer of the Year Award in a row after Victor Osimhen claimed the award in 2023.

Onyeocha expressed pride in Nigeria’s rising prominence in international football, attributing the successes to the talents and resilience of the nation’s players.

 He reaffirmed Uzodimma’s commitment to supporting sports development and nurturing local talents.

The commissioner called on young athletes to draw inspiration from the achievements of Nnadozie and Lookman.

According to him, hard work and perseverance are keys to global recognition.