Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and head coach Justine Madugu
Nigeria’s Super Falcons have once again placed African football in the global spotlight, with goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and head coach Justine Madugu securing nominations for the prestigious 2025 Ballon d’Or awards.
Announced on August 7, 2025, by France Football, the organizers of the revered awards, Nnadozie is a contender for the Women’s Yachine Trophy, recognizing the world’s best female goalkeeper, while Madugu is shortlisted for the Women’s Johan Cruyff Trophy, honoring the top coach in women’s football.
Their nominations follow an exceptional campaign at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), where Nigeria clinched a record-extending 10th continental title.
Chiamaka Nnadozie, the 24-year-old Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper, earned her spot among the elite with a remarkable season both at club and international levels.
She is joined on the Women’s Yachine Trophy shortlist by Ann-Katrin Berger (Gotham FC, Germany), Cata Coll (FC Barcelona, Spain), Hannah Hampton (Chelsea, England), and Daphne van Domselaar (Arsenal, Netherlands). Nnadozie’s standout performances include her pivotal role in Nigeria’s 3-2 comeback victory over host nation Morocco in the WAFCON final on July 26, 2025, in Rabat. “Her commanding presence in goal was instrumental,” noted a report from ACLSports, highlighting her four clean sheets in six matches and her title as WAFCON Goalkeeper of the Tournament.
Before her move to Brighton, Nnadozie made history with Paris FC, helping the club secure the 2025 Coupe de France Féminine—their first major title in nearly two decades—through a dramatic 5-4 penalty shootout win over Paris Saint-Germain. “Nnadozie’s crucial saves in the final showcased her world-class talent,” PulseSports reported, underscoring her contribution to Paris FC’s Champions League qualification. Her 17 clean sheets in 31 appearances across club and international competitions further solidified her nomination.
Justine Madugu, the 61-year-old tactician who guided the Super Falcons to WAFCON glory, earned his place among the nominees for the Women’s Team Coach of the Year Trophy. He faces formidable competition from Sonia Bompastor (Chelsea), Arthur Elias (Brazil women’s national team), Renée Slegers (Arsenal), and Sarina Wiegman (England women’s national team). Madugu’s nomination marks a historic moment, as he becomes the first Nigerian coach shortlisted for a Ballon d’Or-linked award.
The Super Falcons’ WAFCON triumph was a testament to their resilience and talent. Trailing 2-0 at halftime against Morocco, the team rallied back with goals from Esther Okoronkwo and Folashade Ijamilusi, before Echegini sealed the 3-2 victory. Team captain Rasheedat Ajibade, voted Player of the Tournament, praised the collective effort, saying, “We showed the world what we’re capable of. This is for every young girl in Nigeria who dreams big.”
The victory, dubbed “Mission X” by the Nigeria Football Federation, not only reaffirmed Nigeria’s dominance in African women’s football but also inspired national pride, with President Bola Tinubu honoring the team with the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) award, $100,000 each for players, $50,000 for the technical team, and three-bedroom apartments for team members.
The 69th Ballon d’Or ceremony, set for September 22, 2025, at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, France, will celebrate these achievements. Nnadozie and Madugu’s nominations highlight Nigeria’s growing influence in global football, with the Super Falcons’ success serving as a beacon for investment in women’s sports across Africa.
