Four Nigerian female footballers have been recognized in The Guardian’s annual ranking of the 100 best women’s footballers globally, with goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and forward Rasheedat Ajibade spearheading the representation.
Joining them on the prestigious list are forwards Gift Monday and Esther Okoronkwo, both making their first appearance in the British newspaper’s rankings.
Nnadozie reclaims a spot in the top 100 after narrowly missing out in 2024, securing 65th position. The Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper has earned global acclaim as one of the finest shot-stoppers, following 11 clean sheets for Paris FC last season, a performance that paved her way to the Women’s Super League. She played a crucial role in Nigeria’s triumphant Women’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign, securing her second continental title with the Super Falcons and being named the tournament’s best goalkeeper.
Further cementing her international reputation, Nnadozie finished fourth in the Yashin Trophy voting, becoming the first African women’s goalkeeper to be shortlisted. She also won the best goalkeeper award at the 2025 CAF Awards, highlighting her growing influence in women’s football worldwide. Reflecting on her achievements, Nnadozie told The Guardian:
“It shows that all the hard work, dedication and everything I’ve been doing in the past, has been worth it. The world has been watching. It will make a very big impact in Africa because we have so many good players and they just need the opportunity to show what they can really do.”
Ajibade also made her top 100 debut at 79th position, after narrowly missing out in 2024 when she was ranked 104th, signaling her steady rise in international women’s football.
This milestone underscores Nigeria’s growing prominence in global women’s football, with four players now recognized among the elite 100, highlighting their talent, dedication, and impact on the international stage.
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