Chijioke Gabriel
Super Falcons’ tactician, Justine Madugu, has been nominated for the prestigious 2025 Ballon d’Or Women’s Team Coach of the Year Trophy.
The nomination, announced Thursday, places Madugu among the global elite of women’s football coaching, following his remarkable leadership with the Nigerian women’s national team.
The accolade celebrates coaches who have demonstrated outstanding strategy, motivation, and performance in guiding their teams on the international stage.
The recognition comes as Nigerian football continues to gain momentum on the global stage, with Super Falcons players and coaches increasingly drawing international attention after winning the Women’s African Cup of Nations.
Madugu’s nomination is not only a personal triumph but also a moment of pride for Nigeria, reinforcing the country’s reputation as a powerhouse in African women’s football.
Similarly, Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie has been nominated for the 2025 Women’s Yachine Trophy, the Ballon d’Or award for the best female goalkeeper.
The 24-year-old recently joined Brighton Women FC from Paris FC after helping the French side win their first major title in nearly two decades. Nnadozie delivered a heroic performance in the final of the 2025 Coupe de France Féminine, where Paris FC edged Paris Saint-Germain 5-4 on penalties following a goalless draw at Stade de l’Épopée in Calais.
She was also instrumental in Nigeria’s success at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), where the Super Falcons secured a record-extending 10th continental crown against host nation, Morocco.
Her standout displays earned her the Best Goalkeeper award and a place in the Team of the Tournament.
Other nominees for the Yachine Trophy include Ann-Katrin Berger (Gotham FC), Cata Coll (Barcelona Femeni), Hannah Hampton (Chelsea Women), and Daphne van Domselaar (Arsenal Women).