Super Falcons Coach Justine Madugu Hails Ballon d’Or Nomination as Pride for Nigeria and Africa
Justine Madugu hails Ballon d’Or nomination as historic moment for Nigeria and African football.
Super Falcons coach credits WAFCON triumph to teamwork, urging more investment in African coaches.
Super Falcons interim head coach Justine Madugu says his nomination for the 2025 Ballon d’Or’s Women’s Team Coach of the Year award is a proud moment not just for him personally, but for Nigeria and the entire African continent.
The 61-year-old made history as the first African coach to be shortlisted in the category, joining Sarina Wiegman, Emma Hayes, Bev Priestman, and Sonia Bompastor on the prestigious list. His nomination follows Nigeria’s record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) triumph in Morocco earlier this year.
Under Madugu’s leadership, the Super Falcons secured five wins in six matches, culminating in a dramatic final where they overturned a two-goal deficit to defeat hosts Morocco. Speaking to Flashscore, Madugu described the recognition as “a remarkable story” and a standard to aspire to.
“It’s a great honor not only for me as a person but also for our dear country,” he said. “I don’t know if any other African coach has ever been nominated at this level in this category. Honestly, it made me incredibly proud to be Nigerian and African. This is bigger than me; it’s a continental achievement.”
Madugu also credited the team’s tactical discipline and strong synergy between players and coaching staff for their WAFCON success, while urging 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,” he said.
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 is scheduled for September 22 at the historic Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, where global football’s top performers will be honored.
