Super Falcons’ coach listed for 2025 women’s team coach of the year award
Head coach of Nigeria’s Super Falcons, Justine Madugu has been nominated for the 2025 Women’s Team Coach of the Year award, a category under the prestigious Ballon d’Or honors presented by France Football.
The nomination was announced on Wednesday ahead of the official award ceremony scheduled to take place in Paris on September 22, 2025.
Madugu’s nomination came on the heels of his outstanding achievement with the Super Falcons, whom he led to a record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title in Morocco earlier this year.
Under his leadership, Nigeria displayed tactical discipline, resilience, and attacking flair throughout the tournament, culminating in a dramatic comeback victory in the final against hosts Morocco.
His coaching acumen also earned him the Best Coach of the Tournament award at WAFCON 2024, further cementing his reputation as one of Africa’s top football minds.
The 61-year-old, who previously managed Nigeria’s U20 women’s team, has been widely praised for promoting homegrown talent and instilling a renewed sense of unity and purpose within the squad.
Madugu is shortlisted alongside some of the world’s best coaches including England’s Sarina Wiegman, Chelsea’s Sonia Bompastor, Brazil’s Arthur Elias, and Arsenal Women’s Renée Slegers.
The winner of the Women’s Team Coach of the Year award will be announced at the Ballon d’Or ceremony next month in the French capital.
