Ballon d’Or 2025: Super Falcons’ Nnadozie, Madugu nominated for awards.
Nigeria’s Super Falcons head coach, Justine Madugu, and first-choice goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie, have been nominated for prestigious honours at the 2025 Ballon d’Or awards.
In a post shared on Thursday via its official X account, France Football Magazine, organisers of the Ballon d’Or, listed Madugu among the nominees for the Best Coach in Women’s Football, while Nnadozie made the shortlist for the Women’s Yacine Trophy, awarded to the best female goalkeeper.
Madugu’s nomination follows his remarkable leadership at the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, where he guided the Super Falcons to their 10th continental title.
The 61-year-old, who began coaching in 1987 and had never worked outside Nigeria before taking up the Super Falcons role, achieved a personal milestone with the victory.
“The triumph in Morocco was the first major trophy won by Madugu since he began his coaching career in 1987. He had never coached outside Nigeria until he was named the Falcons’ head coach.”
He faces tough competition from global heavyweights, including England’s Sarina Wiegman, Arsenal’s Renée Slegers, Chelsea’s Sonia Bompastor, and Arthur Elias of Brazil.
In the goalkeeping category, Nnadozie, 24, earned her place after an outstanding WAFCON performance where she kept four clean sheets in six matches and was named the tournament’s best goalkeeper.
“She has been a consistent performer for the Falcons, winning the CAF women’s goalkeeper of the year twice.”
