Historic Ballon d’Or Nomination Sparks Hope for African Coaches

Justin Madugu, head coach of Nigeria’s WAFCON-winning Super Falcons, has expressed delight after being shortlisted for the 2025 Women’s Team Coach of the Year award the Women’s Johan Cruyff Trophy. His nomination places him among the top five coaches globally, alongside Chelsea’s Sonia Bompastor, Arsenal’s Renée Slegers, Brazil’s Arthur Elias, and England’s Sarina Wiegman.

Madugu, who guided Nigeria to their record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title in Morocco, described the nomination as a challenge to “work harder” and believed it will drive both him and other African coaches to strive towards football’s highest echelons.

He attributed his success to his players, the technical crew, and backroom staff who worked tirelessly to create an optimal environment during the tournament.

On being the first African coach ever nominated, Madugu said it already felt like a win, though he remains hopeful of lifting the award itself.

He also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the substantial rewards, national honours, and houses given to the team a gesture he deemed unprecedented in the realm of women’s football in Nigeria. The First Lady, Remi Tinubu, also gave significant moral support, reportedly calling the team before and after matches to uplift their spirits.

The 69th Ballon d’Or ceremony will take place at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris on 22 September 2025.

Editorial

We see Justin Madugu’s Ballon d’Or nomination as a landmark moment, not just for him, but for African coaching excellence. It challenges long-held assumptions and affirms that local coaches can operate — and thrive — at the highest levels of world football.

Madugu’s journey reminds us that greatness often arises from humble beginnings. Drawing on grassroots experience and sheer determination, he blended tactical insight with emotional intelligence to steer the Super Falcons to their 10th continental triumph. His humility, despite this historic recognition, reflects leadership with integrity.

The nomination shines a spotlight on the critical role of institutional support. The President’s unprecedented rewards and the First Lady’s encouragement illustrate how leadership outside the field can elevate performance within it. These were not just celebratory gestures; they were statements of belief in women’s sports and local coaching prowess.

As football enthusiasts, we must carry this momentum forward. This moment teaches us that when talent, hard work, and backing converge, the sky is no limit. Madugu’s nomination is proof—and the first African to achieve it, he paves the way for many more to follow.

Did You Know?

1. Justin Madugu has risen through the ranks, serving as assistant coach in four WAFCON tournaments (2012–2022) before taking the helm in 2024.
2. Under his leadership in WAFCON 2024, Nigeria conceded just one goal and went unbeaten en route to the title.
3. The Adamawa State Government honoured Madugu with a three-bedroom house and ₦50 million in rewards following the WAFCON victory.
4. Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie was also nominated for the Ballon d’Or’s Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year Trophy the Yashin Trophy.
5. The Ballon d’Or ceremony will be held in Paris, at the prestigious Théâtre du Châtelet, on 22 September 2025.