By Deborah Nnamdi
Nigeria’s dominance in African women’s football has once again earned global recognition, as Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and head coach Justin Madugu have both been nominated for top honours at the 2025 Ballon d’Or awards.
Nnadozie, 24, has been shortlisted for the Women’s Yachine Trophy, awarded to the world’s best female goalkeeper, while Madugu is in the running for Women’s Coach of the Year—a testament to Nigeria’s commanding performance at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
Captain of the Super Falcons during WAFCON, Nnadozie played a crucial role in Nigeria’s unbeaten run to a record-extending 10th continental title. Her performances were marked by a series of clutch penalty saves and consistent leadership from the back, earning her both the Best Goalkeeper award and a spot in the Team of the Tournament.
Her stellar club form has also contributed to her Ballon d’Or nomination. Earlier this year, Nnadozie helped Paris FC clinch their first major title in nearly 20 years—the 2025 Coupe de France Féminine. She starred in the final, saving penalties in a dramatic shootout victory over Paris Saint-Germain. Following that success, she secured a high-profile move to Brighton Women FC in England.
Meanwhile, Justin Madugu’s transformation of the Super Falcons since taking over in late 2023 has not gone unnoticed. Under his guidance, Nigeria adopted a disciplined yet attacking brand of football that saw them overcome top-tier opposition, including hosts Morocco and defending champions South Africa, en route to lifting the WAFCON trophy.
Madugu’s nomination for Women’s Coach of the Year crowns a remarkable debut year at the helm, during which he revitalized the squad and led them back to the summit of African football.
While Nnadozie and Madugu celebrate their well-earned nominations, Spain’s Aitana Bonmatí remains the favourite for the overall Women’s Ballon d’Or, seeking an unprecedented third consecutive win.
Other contenders for the Yachine Trophy include Ann-Katrin Berger (Gotham FC), Cata Coll (Barcelona Femeni), Hannah Hampton (Chelsea Women), and Daphne van Domselaar (Arsenal Women).
The 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony is scheduled to take place in Paris later this year, where the world’s best footballers will be honoured for their performances over the past season.
