Super Falcons interim head coach, Justine Madugu has described his 2025 Ballon d’Or nomination as not just a personal milestone, but a proud victory for the entire African continent.
The 61-year-old is shortlisted for Women’s Team Coach of the Year, alongside Sarina Wiegman, Emma Hayes, Bev Priestman, and Sonia Bompastor. His nomination marks a historic first — no African coach has ever been recognised in this category before.
Madugu earned global attention after guiding Nigeria, in an interim role, to a record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title in Morocco this year. The Falcons’ run included five wins from six matches, capped by a dramatic final in which they overturned a two-goal deficit to defeat hosts Morocco.
“It’s a great honour not only for me as a person but for our dear country,” Madugu told Flashscore. “I don’t know if any other African coach has ever been nominated at this level in this category. To be nominated alone is a remarkable story, and we thank God for it. It has set new heights and standards that we must strive to live up to.”
Madugu said he was touched by the wave of support from across the world, including messages from European fans.
“Honestly, it made me incredibly proud to be Nigerian and African,” he said. “This is bigger than me — it’s a continental achievement.”
The coach credited his team’s tactical discipline and the synergy between the technical crew and players for their WAFCON triumph. He also used the moment to call for greater investment and trust in African coaches.
“The gap between us and the more developed nations in women’s football is closing rapidly. With the right support, we can stand tall against any team in the world,” Madugu said.
Alongside Madugu, other African nominees for this year’s Ballon d’Or include Chiamaka Nnadozie, Mohamed Salah, Achraf Hakimi, Barbara Banda, Serhou Guirassy, Yassine Bounou, and Temwa Chawinga.
The 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony will be held on September 22 at the historic Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris.
