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2025 Ballon d’Or: Justine Madugu Nominated for Women’s Johan Cruyff Trophy
By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde
Head coach of Nigeria’s senior women’s national team, Justine Madugu, has been nominated for the 2025 Ballon d’Or Johan Cruyff Trophy, an award recognizing the world’s best women’s football coach.
Madugu earns this prestigious nomination following his historic triumph at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), where he led the Super Falcons to their 10th continental title in sensational fashion.
In the final held last month in Morocco, the Super Falcons mounted a dramatic comeback from two goals down to defeat the host nation 3-2, sealing a memorable and emotional victory for Nigeria.
Under Madugu’s leadership, the team scored 14 goals and conceded just three across six matches, finishing the tournament unbeaten with five wins and one draw — a goalless stalemate against Algeria.
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Madugu is one of five finalists for the Johan Cruyff Trophy. His fellow nominees include:
Arthur Elias – Head coach, Brazil women’s national team.
Renee Slegers – Head coach, Arsenal Women.
Sarina Wiegman – Head coach, England women’s national team.
Sonia Bompastor – Head coach, Chelsea FC Women.
The Johan Cruyff Trophy, awarded annually as part of the Ballon d’Or ceremony by France Football, honours the most outstanding coach in women’s football globally.
Madugu’s nomination reflects not only his tactical brilliance but also the growing stature of African football on the world stage.
