Super Falcons head coach Justine Madugu has been nominated for the 2025 Ballon d’Or Women’s Team Coach of the Year award, marking a historic moment for Nigerian football. The prestigious nomination was announced on Thursday by the official Ballon d’Or organisers, placing Madugu among the world’s elite women’s football coaches.
Madugu, 61, led Nigeria’s Super Falcons to victory at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, securing their record 10th continental title. Under his leadership, the team displayed remarkable tactical discipline and unity, overcoming strong opponents such as South Africa, Morocco, and Zambia—teams that had previously halted Nigeria’s dominance in the tournament.
His nomination places him alongside renowned coaches like Sarina Wiegman of the Netherlands, Emma Hayes of the USA, former Canada manager Bev Priestman, and France’s Sonia Bompastor. This recognition highlights not only Madugu’s tactical acumen but also the growing influence of African coaches on the global stage.
The Super Falcons celebrated the achievement on social media, stating, *”Not just on the pitch, we’re winning on the touchline too. Congratulations to our head coach, Justin Madugu, on his Ballon d’Or nomination for Coach of the Year! History made for Nigeria.”*
Madugu’s nomination continues Nigeria’s rising profile in international football awards. In 2023, Victor Osimhen became the first Nigerian male footballer to finish in the top 10 of the Ballon d’Or rankings, later being crowned African Player of the Year. Similarly, Ademola Lookman gained global attention after scoring a historic hat-trick in the 2024 UEFA Europa League final.
While the final winner of the Ballon d’Or Women’s Coach of the Year will be decided later, Madugu’s nomination is already a significant milestone. It reinforces the quality of Nigerian football leadership and signals broader recognition for African football on the world stage.
For Kiin360, this is a moment of national pride, demonstrating that Nigeria’s football excellence extends beyond the players to the strategic minds guiding them to success.
