Super Falcons head coach, Justin Madugu, has described his historic nomination for the 2025 Ballon d’Or Women’s Coach of the Year Award (Johan Cruyff Trophy) as both a personal honour and a source of inspiration for African coaches striving to reach global recognition.

The 61-year-old tactician, who led Nigeria to a record-extending 10th Africa Women’s Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title in Morocco, made the prestigious five-man shortlist alongside Chelsea’s Sonia Bompastor, Arsenal’s Renee Slegers, Brazil’s Arthur Elias, and England’s Sarina Wiegman.

Nigeria’s shot-stopper Chiamaka Nnadozie was also shortlisted for the Women’s Yachine Trophy (Best Goalkeeper), further underlining the Super Falcons’ growing global reputation.

“Nomination Is A Challenge To Work Harder”

Reflecting on the achievement, Madugu admitted he was pleasantly surprised:

> “I was still savouring the joy of winning the WAFCON and being voted best coach of the tournament when I was told about the nomination. It came as a surprise, but I took it as a challenge, with hope that more hard work will take me and other African coaches to the pinnacle of world football.”

Madugu stressed that the recognition is not his alone, crediting the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), his players, technical crew, and backroom staff for their unwavering commitment and teamwork.

“I Already Feel Like A Winner”

The Adamawa State-born coach revealed he is not weighed down by the prospect of winning but instead draws pride from the milestone itself:

> “Being the first African, man or woman, to get nominated for the Ballon d’Or awards, I already feel like a winner. But that does not rule me out as a potential overall winner. Like at WAFCON, surprises do happen.”

Praise For President Tinubu And First Lady

Madugu also extended gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who rewarded the Super Falcons with national honours, cash gifts, and houses — an unprecedented gesture in Nigerian women’s football history. He equally praised First Lady Remi Tinubu, whose regular motivational calls to the team during the tournament lifted morale.

Eyes On Paris

The 69th Ballon d’Or ceremony is set for September 22, 2025, at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris, where Madugu will hope to etch his name further into football history.