NFF Hails Chiamaka Nnadozie, Justin Madugu after historic Ballon d’Or recognition

By Dayo Awoniyi

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has applauded Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and head coach Justin Madugu after both secured historic fourth-place finishes at the 2025 Ballon d’Or awards in Paris on Monday night.

Nnadozie, who plays for Brighton & Hove Albion in England, was ranked fourth in the women’s goalkeeper category, capping off a remarkable year that also saw her retain the African Goalkeeper of the Year award and claim the Golden Glove at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.

Her commanding performances were central to Nigeria clinching a record-extending 10th continental crown.

“We heartily congratulate Chiamaka Nnadozie on her fourth-place finish in the race. It is a commendable feat given the calibre of goalkeepers she was up against. Finishing fourth is a big achievement and we believe in her capacity to win this trophy very soon,” said NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi.

Sanusi also lauded Madugu, who finished fourth in the Women’s Coach of the Year category, just months after guiding the Super Falcons to WAFCON glory.

“Coach Madugu’s feat further underscores the fact that the NFF was right to have entrusted him with the Super Falcons’ head coach role, which he justified with continental success in Morocco. We congratulate him and look forward to even greater accomplishments in the future,” he said.

Nnadozie finished behind Hannah Hampton (Chelsea/England), Ann-Katrin Berger (Gotham FC/Germany), and Cata Coll (Barcelona/Spain), while edging out Netherlands and Arsenal goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar.

In the coaching category, Madugu trailed winner Sarina Wiegman (England), Sonia Bompastor (Chelsea/France), Arthur Elias (Brazil), and Renée Slegers (Arsenal/Sweden).

The recognition marks the first time a Nigerian goalkeeper and coach have both placed inside the top five at the prestigious Ballon d’Or ceremony, further enhancing the Falcons’ growing global reputation.

Samuel Ahmadu

Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. On the back of domestic engagement since 2008, he began his international career journey at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.

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