Nigerian women’s football has gained significant global recognition with Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and head coach Justin Madugu earning prestigious nominations at the 2025 Ballon d’Or awards.
In a year marked by historic achievements and commanding performances, Nnadozie has been shortlisted for the Women’s Yachine Trophy, the Ballon d’Or award for the best female goalkeeper, while Coach Madugu is among the nominees for Women’s Coach of the Year.
The nominations come in the wake of Nigeria’s triumphant campaign at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), where the Super Falcons claimed their record-extending 10th continental title. The team’s dominant showing in Morocco, which included wins over top rivals like host nation Morocco and defending champions South Africa, marked a return to form under the leadership of Coach Madugu and captain Chiamaka Nnadozie.
Nnadozie, 24, was a standout throughout the tournament. Her heroic penalty saves and commanding presence in goal proved pivotal to Nigeria’s unbeaten run. She was named Best Goalkeeper of the tournament and secured a spot in the WAFCON Team of the Tournament, reinforcing her status as one of the world’s top shot-stoppers.
Beyond her exploits with the national team, Nnadozie also enjoyed a stellar club season. The goalkeeper recently signed with Brighton Women FC following a successful spell at Paris FC, where she helped the French side lift their first major trophy in nearly two decades.
In the 2025 Coupe de France Féminine final, Nnadozie once again demonstrated her big-game temperament, producing a match-winning performance in a penalty shootout against Paris Saint-Germain. Her saves helped Paris FC edge their city rivals 5-4 on penalties, after a tense goalless draw at Stade de l’Épopée in Calais.
Coach Justin Madugu, who took the reins of the Super Falcons in late 2023, has been widely praised for his impact. His appointment heralded a shift towards a disciplined, attacking brand of football, reinvigorating the squad and maximizing the talents of Nigeria’s top players.
Under Madugu’s guidance, the Falcons not only won the WAFCON title but did so with conviction, blending defensive solidity with flair in the final third. His nomination as Women’s Coach of the Year reflects the global appreciation for his efforts in returning Nigeria to the summit of African football.
Nnadozie’s inclusion among the Yachine Trophy nominees places her alongside some of the game’s elite goalkeepers, including: Ann-Katrin Berger (Gotham FC), Cata Coll (Barcelona Femeni), Hannah Hampton (Chelsea Women), Daphne van Domselaar (Arsenal Women).
While Spain’s Aitana Bonmatí remains the front-runner for the overall Women’s Ballon d’Or, eyeing her third straight win, Nigeria’s presence on the shortlist marks a significant moment for African women’s football.
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