Ballon d’Or: Madugu, Nnadozie Earn Historic Nominations

Nigeria’s women’s national football team continues to bask in international recognition as head coach Justin Madugu and star goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie have been nominated for honours at the prestigious 2025 Ballon d’Or™ awards.

Justin Madugu, who guided the Super Falcons to their historic 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title earlier this year in Morocco, is nominated for the Women’Coach of the Year award.

The former assistant coach took charge of the team during a transitional period and led them to continental glory with a mix of tactical intelligence, squad unity, and mental toughness.

Under Madugu’s watch, Nigeria defeated hosts Morocco 3–2 in a thrilling WAFCON 2025 final, cementing their legacy as Africa’s most successful women’s team.

The triumph, which was followed by a warm reception across the country and commendations from top government and sports officials, has now been crowned with this global recognition.

Also flying the Nigerian flag on the world stage is Chiamaka Nnadozie, who earned a nomination for the Yachine Trophy — awarded to the best female goalkeeper in the world. The former Paris FC shot-stopper was instrumental in Nigeria’s unbeaten WAFCON campaign, pulling off a series of match-winning saves and organizing the defence with maturity far beyond her years.

Nnadozie’s nomination sees her listed alongside some of the game’s finest: Ann-Katrin Berger, Cata Coll, Hannah Hampton, and Daphne van Domselaar.

Her inclusion reflects not just her individual brilliance but also the growing respect for African talent on the global football scene.

This latest recognition adds to a remarkable year for the 24-year-old, who previously won back-to-back CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year awards and has become a role model for aspiring athletes across the continent.

Since the Super Falcons’ WAFCON triumph in Morocco, the team has enjoyed a wave of accolades, media attention, and sponsorship support.

Their resilience and success have ignited new interest in women’s football in Nigeria, and the Ballon d’Or™ nominations serve as further validation of their efforts.

For Madugu, the nomination is particularly significant as it places him among the elite coaches shaping the future of the women’s game globally.

For Nnadozie, it is another major milestone in a blossoming career that continues to inspire the next generation.

The 2025 Ballon d’Or™ awards ceremony, organised by France Football, will take place later this year in Paris, where football’s biggest stars will be honoured..