Super Falcons Goalie Chiamaka Nnadozie, Coach Justine Madugu Nominated For Ballon d’Or

Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and head coach Justine Madugu have both been nominated for the 2025 Ballon d’Or awards.

The nomination comes following Nigeria’s stunning victory at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

Chiamaka Nnadozie, who now plays for Brighton, is nominated for the Women’s Yachine Trophy, an award recognizing the best female goalkeeper of the year.

She’s been shortlisted alongside Germany’s Ann-Katrin Berger (Gotham FC), Cata Coll (FC Barcelona), Hannah Hampton (Chelsea), and Daphne Van Domselaar (Arsenal).

The 24-year-old shot-stopper was a standout performer during the WAFCON tournament in Morocco, helping the Super Falcons lift their 10th continental title.

Nigeria came from behind to beat the hosts 3-2 in a thrilling final on July 26 in Rabat.

Nnadozie’s brilliant saves throughout the tournament earned her the title of Best Goalkeeper of the competition.

Justine Madugu, who led the team to glory, has also been recognized with a nomination for the Women’s Team Coach of the Year award.

He’s up against top contenders like Sonia Bompastor of Chelsea, Arthur Elias of Brazil’s national team, Arsenal’s Renée Slegers, and Sarina Wiegman, head coach of the English national team.

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

KanyiDaily recalls that in recognition of their historic win, President Bola Tinubu honored the Super Falcons with national awards, the title of Officer of the Order of the Niger, alongside a cash reward.