Super Falcons head coach, Justin Madugu, has been nominated for the 2025 Ballon d’Or Women’s Team Coach of the Year award.
This is a proud moment for Nigeria as Madugu becomes the first Super Falcons coach to receive this kind of global recognition.
The nomination was announced on Thursday by the official Ballon d’Or organisers.
Madugu led Nigeria to win the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, guiding the team to their 10th continental title — the most by any women’s team in Africa.
Among the Best in the World
Madugu now stands with some of the top names in women’s football coaching, including:
- Sarina Wiegman (Netherlands)
- Emma Hayes (USA)
- Bev Priestman (former Canada coach)
- Sonia Bompastor (France)
At 61 years old, Madugu brought stability, unity, and smart tactics to the Super Falcons. Under his leadership, the team defeated strong opponents like South Africa, Zambia, and host nation Morocco, who had stopped Nigeria in the last edition.
A Big Moment for Nigerian Football
This nomination follows other recent successes for Nigerian football:
- In 2023, Victor Osimhen finished in the top 10 of the men’s Ballon d’Or – the highest by any Nigerian male player.
- In 2024, Ademola Lookman scored a hat-trick in the UEFA Europa League final, making history and earning global praise.
Madugu’s nomination shows that Nigeria’s excellence goes beyond players — coaches are also gaining world attention.
The Super Falcons’ official X page (formerly Twitter) celebrated the news, writing:
“Not just on the pitch, we’re winning on the touchline too.
Congratulations to our head coach, Justin Madugu, on his Ballon d’Or nomination for Coach of the Year!
History made for Nigeria.
#SoarSuperFalcons | #BallonDor2025”
A Win Already
Even if he doesn’t win the final award, the nomination itself is a major achievement for Madugu and African coaches in general. It shows that African managers can compete at the highest level and earn global respect.
Madugu’s hard work, leadership, and success with the Super Falcons have placed him among the world’s best football coaches.