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Justine Madugu: Super Falcons coach reacts to historic Ballon d’Or nomination
By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde
Head Coach of Nigeria’s senior women’s national team Justine Madugu has expressed pride and gratitude following his historic nomination for a Ballon d’Or award, marking the first time an African coach has been recognised at this level in the category.
“It’s a great honour, not only for me as a person but for our dear country,” Madugu told Flashscore.
“I don’t know if any other African coach has ever been nominated at this level. To be nominated alone is a remarkable story. We thank God for it. It has set new heights and standards that we must try to live up to. It is not easy.”
Madugu led the Super Falcons to record extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title in Morocco which earned him the nomination for Ballon d’Or best coach.
He emphasised the continental significance of the achievement, noting: “In the entire continent of Africa, this is the first time an award of such magnitude and recognition is coming. It’s no longer just a Nigerian thing or an African affair. I saw comments and reports from Europeans supporting us, and I was baffled by it.”
Reflecting on the team’s performances, he credited both the technical crew and the players for their combined effort: “If you analyse our games properly, people appreciate the technical and tactical input of the crew, and the players translating those ideas into results. Those things may have accounted for our victory in the final.”
Proud of the wider impact, Madugu urged African nations to believe in themselves:
“Honestly, it made me so proud to be an African, a Nigerian. Other African nations should also believe in themselves as others believe in us. With the necessary support, the sky will be our starting point. The gap between us and more developed nations in women’s football is reducing drastically. Given the right backing, we can achieve feats that will stand us out globally.”
He also expressed gratitude to the organisers: “I really appreciate the organisers for giving us this huge recognition. It’s pleasing to know people are watching and value our efforts and successes. To our supporters, I say thank you — win or lose, I appreciate you. I pray your hopes are fulfilled and that we eventually win the award.”
The Ballon d’Or ceremony, organised by France Football, will be held later this year and is expected to draw some of the most notable names in global football.
