Head coach of the Africa Women’s Cup of Nations champions, Justin Madugu, has expressed delight after making the shortlist for the prestigious 2025 Ballon d’Or Coach of the Year Award for Women, officially known as the Women’s Johan Cruyff Trophy, noting that it is a challenge to work harder.
The Nigerian tactician, who guided the Super Falcons to their record 10th WAFCON crown in Morocco, is among five nominees.
He is listed alongside Chelsea Women’s boss Sonia Bompastor, Arsenal Women’s Renee Slegers, Brazil Women’s Arthur Elias, and England Women’s Sarina Wiegman.
Super Falcons’ safe hands, Chiamaka Nnadozie, also earned recognition as one of the nominees for the 2025 Women’s Yachine Trophy, the Ballon d’Or Goalkeeper of the Year Award.
“Nomination Is A Challenge To Work Harder” — Madugu
Reacting to the news, Madugu admitted that the nomination came unexpectedly but described it as a motivation to push harder:
“I was still savouring the joy of winning the WAFCON trophy and being voted the best coach of the tournament when I was told of my nomination for the Ballon d’Or Best Coach Award in women’s football,” Madugu said.
“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.
“It is not easy to be nominated amongst the best five coaches in the world, it’s no mean feat. Win or lose, it will definitely inspire me to do more. Credit first goes to the Nigeria Football Federation President, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, and his executive committee members for giving me the opportunity to showcase my coaching ability.”
Credit To Players, Technical Crew, And Backroom Staff
Madugu went on to hail the collective effort of his players and support team, “My players and technical crew deserve credit for playing to instructions and giving me the necessary support to win the trophy.
“There is also the backroom staff, who worked assiduously day and night to ensure that the atmosphere in camp was conducive and that we lacked nothing in Morocco,” said the 61-year-old coach, who hails from Numan in Adamawa State.
“I Already Feel Like A Winner” — Madugu
When asked if he believed he could claim the award, Madugu replied, “Our winning the WAFCON had the unseen hands of God, and like at WAFCON, who says there won’t be a surprise winner?”
Praise For President Tinubu And First Lady
The Super Falcons coach also lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for rewarding the team with cash gifts, national honours, and houses, a gesture he described as historic.
“We appreciate President Tinubu for his wonderful gesture. The rewards will spur other Nigerian teams to deliver, and by so doing, we shall see improved performances from both teams and individuals in future competitions.
“I have to thank our First Lady, Mrs Remi Tinubu, for her words of encouragement during the tournament. She called us before or after every game to psych us up and pray for our success,” Madugu recalled.
“The girls were always in high spirits after the First Lady’s calls, and that explains why they were able to cruise all the way to win the trophy,” he concluded.
Ballon d’Or Ceremony Set For Paris
The winners of the 2025 Ballon d’Or awards will be announced at the 69th edition of the ceremony, scheduled to take place at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris on 22 September 2025.
