By Prosper Mene
In a proud moment for Nigerian football, Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and head coach Justine Madugu have been nominated for the prestigious 2025 Ballon d’Or awards, recognizing their exceptional contributions to the sport.
The nominations, announced by France Football on August 7, 2025, underscores Nigeria’s dominance in African women’s football following their triumph at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
Nnadozie, the 24-year-old Brighton & Hove Albion shot-stopper, is shortlisted for the Women’s Yachine Trophy, which honors the world’s best female goalkeeper. She faces stiff competition from Ann-Katrin Berger (Gotham FC), Cata Coll (FC Barcelona), Hannah Hampton (Chelsea), and Daphne van Domselaar (Arsenal).
Nnadozie’s nomination comes on merit of her performance including 17 clean sheets in 31 matches across club and international competitions. Her heroics in the WAFCON final, where Nigeria defeated hosts Morocco 3-2, earned her the tournament’s Best Goalkeeper award and a spot in the Team of the Tournament. Her crucial saves in Paris FC’s Coupe de France Féminine victory and qualification for the UEFA Women’s Champions League further cemented her reputation as a world-class talent.
Coach Justine Madugu, 61, has been nominated for the Women’s Johan Cruyff Trophy, recognizing the top coach in women’s football. Madugu, who led the Super Falcons to their 10th WAFCON title in an unbeaten campaign, is the first Nigerian coach to receive a Ballon d’Or nomination. His tactical brilliance was on full display in the thrilling comeback against Morocco, where Nigeria overcame a 2-0 deficit to win 3-2, with goals from Esther Okoronkwo, Folashade Ijamilusi, and Echegini.
Madugu’s nomination places him among elite coaches like Sarina Wiegman (England), Sonia Bompastor (Chelsea), Renée Slegers (Arsenal), and Arthur Elias (Brazil).Nnadozie and Madugu’s nominations mark a historic moment for African football, with Nnadozie being the first African goalkeeper shortlisted for the Yachine Trophy, introduced this year for women’s football. Their achievements reflect the growing global influence of Nigerian women’s football and inspire the next generation of talent across the continent.
The 69th Ballon d’Or ceremony, where the winners will be announced, is set for September 22, 2025, at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, France. Fans across Nigeria and beyond eagerly await the outcome, celebrating the Super Falcons’ continued rise on the world stage.
