Nigeria’s women’s football is in the global spotlight as Super Falcons head coach Justine Madugu and star goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie have both been shortlisted for top honours at the 2025 Ballon d’Or awards.

Madugu is in the running for the Johan Cruyff Trophy, which celebrates the most exceptional women’s football coach in the world, while Nnadozie is a contender for the Yachine Trophy, awarded to the planet’s best female goalkeeper.

Madugu’s nomination comes on the back of his remarkable achievement at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). Guiding the Falcons to their 10th continental crown, he masterminded an unforgettable final in Rabat, Morocco, where Nigeria fought back from a two-goal deficit to edge hosts Morocco 3-2 in a dramatic, emotional victory.

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Throughout the tournament, the Falcons were formidable, scoring 14 goals and conceding just three in six matches. They finished unbeaten, securing five wins and one draw, the latter being a goalless clash against Algeria.

Madugu faces stiff competition for the Johan Cruyff award from Arthur Elias (Brazil women’s national team), Renee Slegers (Arsenal Women), Sarina Wiegman (England women’s national team), and Sonia Bompastor (Chelsea FC Women).

Meanwhile, Nnadozie’s stellar form between the posts was pivotal to Nigeria’s WAFCON success. Her heroics earned her the Best Goalkeeper award and a spot in the Team of the Tournament.

Her fellow Yachine Trophy nominees include Ann-Katrin Berger (Gotham FC), Cata Coll (Barcelona Femeni), Hannah Hampton (Chelsea Women), and Daphne van Domselaar (Arsenal Women).

Meiza Nigeria