Super Falcons head coach Justine Madugu has described his nomination for the 2025 Ballon d’Or Women’s Team Coach of the Year award as a landmark achievement for Nigeria and Africa.

 

Madugu, 61, is one of five coaches shortlisted for the prestigious honour by the organisers of the Ballon d’Or, making him the first African coach to earn a nomination in the category.

 

The recognition comes on the heels of his remarkable feat at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, where he guided the Super Falcons to their historic 10th continental title.

 

Speaking to Flashscore about the nomination, Madugu expressed gratitude and pride.

 

“It’s a great honour not only for me as a person but for our dear country because I don’t know if any other African coach has ever been nominated at that level in this category,” he said.

 

“It’s not a small feat; to be nominated alone is a remarkable story. We thank God for it. It has set new heights and standards that we must try to live up to. This is the first time an African has received an award of such magnitude and recognition, making it more than just a Nigerian achievement.”

 

Madugu added that the global support for his nomination, including messages from Europe, has been a source of pride.

 

The 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony is expected to take place later this year, where winners across various categories will be unveiled.