Sports
Super Falcons’ Nnadozie, Madugu nominated for Ballon d’Or awards

The Super Falcons’ outstanding performance at the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) has earned two of its key members, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and coach Justine Madugu, nominations for the prestigious Ballon d’Or awards.
Chiamaka Nnadozie nominated for the Women’s Yachine Trophy, awarded to the world’s best female goalkeeper.
Nnadozie’s impressive display at WAFCON, where she kept four clean sheets in six matches and was named the tournament’s best goalkeeper, makes her a strong contender for the award.
She is facing competition from other top goalkeepers, including Ann-Katrin Berger, Cata Coll, Hannah Hampton, and Daphne van Domselaar.
Also, Justine Madugu, mominated for the Women’s Team Coach of the Year Trophy, recognising his exceptional leadership in guiding the Super Falcons to their 10th WAFCON title.
Madugu’s nomination pits him against renowned coaches like Sonia Bompastor, Arthur Elias, Renée Slegers, and Sarina Wiegman.
The awards ceremony is slated for September 22, 2025, at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, France.
The highly anticipated event will honour outstanding contributions to football, with winners selected from various categories.
The Super Falcons’ victory at WAFCON has also earned them recognition from the Nigerian government.
President Bola Tinubu conferred national honours on the team, awarding each player the naira equivalent of $100,000 and the technical team $50,000.
Additionally, each team member will receive a three-bedroom apartment.