2025 Ballon d'Or: Madugu nominated alongside England, Brazil, Chelsea and Arsenal Women's coaches

Justine Madugu, the coach of Nigeria women’s national team, has been nominated for the 2025 Ballon d’Or awards in the Women's Coach of the Year category.

The 61-year-old is the sole African representative on the coaching shortlist, earning his place after guiding the Super Falcons to a historic tenth continental title last month, a world record in women's football.

In the final of the 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations, the Super Falcons overturned a two-goal deficit to earn a 3-2 victory over Morocco's Atlas Lionesses, with super-sub Jennifer Echegini scoring the game-winning goal in the 88th minute. 

Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, a nominee for the Women’s Yashin Trophy, kept four consecutive clean sheets during the tournament in Morocco.

Her impressive run was eventually ended in the semifinals, when she was beaten by Banyana Banyana’s Linda Motlhalo.

In addition to Madugu, four other women’s coaches have been nominated for the prestigious Coach of the Year award.

The shortlist includes Chelsea boss Sonia Bompastor, Brazil national team coach Arthur Elias, Arsenal’s Renée Slegers, and England manager Sarina Wiegman.

Before taking charge of the Super Falcons, Madugu had stints with Nigerian clubs Adamawa United and Plateau United.

He was appointed head coach of the national team following the resignation of Randy Waldrum in 2024.

The 2025 Ballon d'Or ceremony is set to take place on September 22 at the prestigious Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris.

Marking its 69th edition, this year’s event will make history by presenting an equal number of awards to both women and men for the first time.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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