Ballon d’Or 2025: Super Falcons Coach Justin Magudu Nominated for Coach of the Year
- Justin Madugu has been nominated for 2025 Ballon d’Or Coach of the Year after leading Nigeria to their 10th WAFCON title.
- The Super Falcons coach is nominated alongside elite coaches from Chelsea, Arsenal, Brazil, and England
- Madugu was also named WAFCON Coach of the Tournament by CAF after winning the WAFCON
In a historic moment for Nigerian football, Super Falcons coach Justin Madugu has been nominated for the prestigious Coach of the Year award at the 2025 Ballon d’Or.
The nomination follows Madugu’s remarkable role that saw Nigeria’s women’s national team win a record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title in Morocco.
Source: Twitter
Madugu, who hails from Adamawa State, was appointed interim head coach of the Super Falcons by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) following the departure of former coach Randy Waldrum, Cyberpedia reports.
Despite the temporary nature of his appointment, he went on to inspire the Super Falcons to a historic WAFCON title.
The nomination, announced on Thursday, sees Madugu listed alongside world-class coaches including Sonia Bompastor (Chelsea), Arthur Elias (Brazil), Renee Slegers (Arsenal), and Sarina Wiegman (England), placing him among the top coaches in women’s football, Olympics report.
From Temporary manager to Ballon d’Or nominee
When Madugu was appointed as the Super Falcons' interim coach, few expected him to lead Nigeria to glory in such a short time. But he quickly proved the doubters wrong.
Source: Twitter
Under his leadership, the Super Falcons showcased tactical discipline and brilliance that won the hearts of many fans throughout the tournament in Morocco.
Nigeria’s 3-2 comeback win over Morocco in the WAFCON final stands as a testament to Magudu’s ability to motivate and manage under pressure.
For his efforts, he was also named Coach of the Tournament by CAF, further sealing his reputation as one of the continent’s brightest coaches.
Nigerians jubilate after Magudu’s nomination
Madugu’s nomination for the Ballon d’Or Coach of the Year award has sparked excitement among Nigerians who were delighted to see their countryman among the top coaches in the world.
In the excitement, some claimed the Super Falcons manager is even better than current Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta.
@King-Mekus posted:
“To be honest, he’s better than Arteta, if you think I am lying, show me Arteta’s major trophy.”
Big Way reacted:
“Well recognised, but they won't give him.”
Declan sees Magudu as the winner already:
“Super Falcons!!!! You rule the world. There’s no other winner than this Man. Justine Madugu”
Rare W posted:
“For the remontada in the final alone, he deserves the award.”
Asexual doctor posted:
“Incredible!!!! Naija no dey carry wetin...💯”
Nnadozie nominated for Ballon d’Or
In a related development, Legit.ng reported that Super Falcons star Chiamaka Nnadozie has been nominated for the Women’s Yachine Trophy at the upcoming 2025 Ballon d'Or ceremony.
Hosts France Football unveiled the nominees for the Women's Yashine Award. They are goalkeepers, Chiamaka Nnadozie of Nigeria; Germany's Ann-Katrin Berger, Hannah Hampton of England; Cata Coll of Spain and Daphne van Domselaar of the Netherlands.
Source: Legit.ng
