Nnadozie and Madugu nominated for Ballon d'Or awards on the back of Super Falcons' success

SUPER Falcons head coach Justin Madugu and the team's goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie have both been nominated as candidates for honours at the 2025 Ballon d'Or awards taking place later this year at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris on September 22.

By far the most prestigious of all football awards out there, the Ballon d'Or or World Footballer of the Year is only bestowed on the best of the best. Coach Madugu and Nnadozie have both been nominated because of Nigeria's recent continental success where the Super Falcons won the Women's African Cup of Nations for the 10th time last month.

Coming back from two goals down, the Falcons defeated hosts Morocco 3-2 in a dramatic final to lift the prestigious trophy. Nnadozie has been shortlisted for the Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year, while Madugu has earned a nomination for Women’s Coach of the Year.

Nnadozie, the side's vice captain, delivered a string of heroic performances between the sticks at the continental tournament, including crucial penalty saves and commanding displays that underpinned the Falcons’ unbeaten campaign. Coach Madugu, who took over the Super Falcons in late 2023, has for his part been praised for revitalising the team and instilling a disciplined, attacking style of play.

Under Madugu's leadership, the Falcons overcame strong competition from Morocco and defending champions South Africa en route to lifting the trophy. While the Nigerian duo celebrate their nominations, Spainish striker Aitana Bonmatí remains the front-runner for the Women’s Ballon d’Or, aiming for her third consecutive win.

In the men's category, nominees include Ousmane Dembele (Paris Saint-Germain), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain) and Viktor Gyokeres (Arsenal). Others are Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona), Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid), Lamine Yamal (Barcelona), Erling Haaland (Manchester City), Serhou Guiarassy (Borussia Dortmund) and Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan).