Nigerian women’s football continues to gain global recognition as Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and head coach Justin Madugu have both been nominated for top honours at the 2025 Ballon d’Or awards.
Nnadozie has been shortlisted for the Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year, while Madugu is in contention for the Women’s Coach of the Year category, a testament to Nigeria’s dominance at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
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The nominations follow Nigeria’s record-extending 10th WAFCON title, achieved after a flawless campaign that saw the Super Falcons defeat host nation Morocco and reigning champions South Africa.
Nnadozie was a wall in goal throughout the tournament, producing several standout performances, including key saves in the semifinal and final. Her leadership and shot-stopping ability were crucial to Nigeria’s run.
Meanwhile, Madugu, who took over the team in late 2023, has received praise for transforming the Super Falcons into a tactically balanced and aggressive unit.
His ability to integrate youth and experience was evident throughout the campaign, culminating in continental glory.
The 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony, organized by France Football, will celebrate the best footballers and coaches across various categories for the 2024/2025 season.
List of 2025 Ballon d’Or Women’s Categories Nominees
Women’s Ballon d’Or (Player of the Year)
Aitana Bonmatí (Barcelona, Spain)
Salma Paralluelo (Barcelona, Spain)
Sam Kerr (Chelsea, Australia)
Sophia Smith (Portland Thorns, USA)
Mary Earps (Manchester United, England)
Kadidiatou Diani (Lyon, France)
Linda Caicedo (Real Madrid, Colombia)
Alexia Putellas (Barcelona, Spain)
Caroline Graham Hansen (Barcelona, Norway)
Rachel Daly (Aston Villa, England)
Fridolina Rolfö (Barcelona, Sweden)
Jenni Hermoso (Tigres, Spain)
Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit, USA)
Lena Oberdorf (Wolfsburg, Germany)
Guro Reiten (Chelsea, Norway)
Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year
Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC, Nigeria)
Mary Earps (Manchester United, England)
Christiane Endler (Lyon, Chile)
Merle Frohms (Wolfsburg, Germany)
Pauline Peyraud-Magnin (Juventus, France)
Cata Coll (Barcelona, Spain)
Women’s Coach of the Year
Justin Madugu (Nigeria)
Jonatan Giráldez (Barcelona, Spain)
Emma Hayes (Chelsea, England)
Sonia Bompastor (Lyon, France)
Bev Priestman (Canada)
Tony Gustavsson (Australia)
The Ballon d’Or 2025 gala is set to take place in Paris on Monday September 22 where the winners of different categories will be crowned .
