Super Falcons goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie, and Head Coach, Justine Madugu, have been nominated for top honours at the 2025 Ballon d’Or awards following their remarkable performance at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
Nnadozie, who was instrumental in Nigeria’s triumphant WAFCON campaign in Morocco, was named among the five finalists for the prestigious Women’s Yachine Trophy – an award reserved for the best female goalkeeper in the world.
The shortlist also includes Germany’s Ann-Katrin Berger (Gotham FC), Cata Coll of FC Barcelona, England’s Hannah Hampton (Chelsea), and Daphne Van Domselaar (Arsenal).
Nnadozie emerged as the best goalkeeper of the tournament in Rabat, where the Super Falcons secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over host nation Morocco in the final held on July 26. Her stellar saves and commanding presence in goal earned her global praise, adding weight to her Ballon d’Or nomination.
Equally recognised is Falcons’ coach, Justine Madugu, who guided the Nigerian team to its 10th continental title. He has been shortlisted for the Women’s Team Coach of the Year Trophy alongside Chelsea’s Sonia Bompastor, Brazil’s Arthur Elias, Arsenal’s Renée Slegers, and England’s Sarina Wiegman.
The 69th Ballon d’Or ceremony is scheduled to take place on September 22, 2025, at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, France.
Their nominations come shortly after Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu, honoured the entire team for their WAFCON success. Each player was awarded the naira equivalent of $100,000, a three-bedroom apartment, and the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON). Members of the technical crew received the equivalent of $50,000 each.
