First among equals: Record-breaking Nigerian star named in Première Ligue Team of the Season in France

Soccer

Nigeria international Chiamaka Nnadozie has been named in the Arkema Première Ligue Team of the Season after another standout campaign with Paris FC, Soccernet.ng reports.

It is the second consecutive appearance in the league’s Best XI for Nnadozie, who entered the record books as the first Nigerian to earn the honour last season following a series of commanding performances.

Nnadozie was also the only Paris FC player on the prestigious list. However, this year, she is joined by club teammates Clara Matéo and Kessya Bussy.

La #TOTS @easportsfcfr est là ! #ArkemaPL pic.twitter.com/slghkhIqth

— Arkema Première Ligue (@ArkemaPL) April 25, 2025

French international Matéo, who finished as the league’s top scorer with 18 goals, is a strong favourite to be crowned the Best Player of the Season.

The 2018 Women Africa Cup of Nations winner also distinguished herself as the only player to win the Player of the Month award more than once this term.

Soccer Nigeria Super Falcons and Paris FC goalie Chiamaka Nnadozie.
Nigeria Super Falcons and Paris FC goalie Chiamaka Nnadozie. Photo Credit X

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Nnadozie, meanwhile, is in contention for the Goalkeeper of the Season prize, an award she claimed last year.

The 24-year-old Super Falcons star kept 11 clean sheets in 18 appearances — the second-best record in the division, behind Lyon’s Christiane Endler, who registered 13.

Soccer Nigeria Super Falcons and Paris FC goalie Chiamaka Nnadozie.
Nigeria Super Falcons and Paris FC goalie Chiamaka Nnadozie. Photo Credit X

Paris Saint-Germain and England goalkeeper Mary Earps, who managed eight clean sheets, completes the three-woman shortlist for the prestigious award.

Nnadozie, twice crowned CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year, suffered an injury during Paris FC’s 4-0 win over Fleury 91 in their final regular season match.

However, the Nigerian shot-stopper remains hopeful of recovering in time for the Coupe de France Féminine final against city rivals Paris Saint-Germain on 3 May at Stade de l’Epopée in Calais.

Soccer Nigeria Super Falcons and Paris FC goalie Chiamaka Nnadozie.
Nigeria Super Falcons and Paris FC goalie Chiamaka Nnadozie. Photo Credit X

Paris FC and PSG are also set to meet again in the semifinals of the Première Ligue playoffs on 11 May, with the winner advancing to the final to face either Lyon or Dijon.

Victory in the playoffs will not only secure the 2024–25 league title but also guarantee a place in the 2025–26 UEFA Women’s Champions League group stage.

Soccer Chiamaka Nnadozie’s Paris FC
Chiamaka Nnadozie’s Paris FC

Last season, Paris FC suffered a heartbreaking semifinal defeat to PSG but bounced back to claim third place after defeating Reims on penalties. Nnadozie will be determined to help her side go one better this time around.

Soccer Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele


Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele

Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele turns into a ball of passion when writing about Nigerian football and its talents, whether rising stars or established legends, locally and abroad.

From the deepest corners of the Middle East, to the green fields of the Americas, to the celebrated grounds in Europe, and the rich soils of Africa, Imhons is more than glad, usually with a glass of a tasty drink nearby, to capture the essence of the game, by connecting the dots between culture, identity, and football.

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