Super Falcons Coach Justine Madugu, Goalkeeper Nnadozie Nominated for 2025 Ballon d’Or Awards
Justine Madugu, head coach of Nigeria’s Super Falcons, has been nominated for the 2025 Ballon d’Or Coach of the Year award in women’s football.
The announcement was made on Thursday via the official X (formerly Twitter) account of France Football Magazine, organizers of the prestigious Ballon d’Or awards.
Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie was also shortlisted for the 2025 Yacine Trophy, which honors the best female goalkeeper in the world.
Madugu is listed alongside some of the most respected names in women’s football, including England’s Sarina Wiegman, Arsenal Women’s Renée Slegers, Chelsea Women’s Sonia Bompastor, and Brazil’s Arthur Elias.
His nomination follows a historic year in which he led Nigeria to their 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title in July, held in Morocco. Madugu was named Best Coach of the Tournament, securing his first major international title in a coaching career that spans nearly 40 years. He began his career in 1987 and managed various Nigerian clubs before taking charge of the Super Falcons.
Meanwhile, 24-year-old Nnadozie stands out in a competitive Yacine Trophy field that includes Ann-Katrin Berger, Cata Coll, Hannah Hampton, and Daphne van Domselaar. She was named Best Goalkeeper at the 2025 WAFCON, keeping four clean sheets in six games, and has already won the CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award twice for her outstanding performances.
