Coach Madugu will miss the 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony, but Nnadozie is present.
The 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony takes place tonight at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, but two Nigerian nominees, Super Falcons head coach Justine Madugu will be absent from the glittering event.
However, Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie has been sighted at the venue.
Madugu was shortlisted for the Ballon d’Or Women’s Coach of the Year Trophy, while Nnadozie made the final cut for the prestigious Women’s Yacine Trophy for Best Goalkeeper.
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Their nominations followed the Super Falcons’ historic 10th Africa Women’s Cup of Nations (AWCON) title, achieved in August after a stunning 3-2 comeback victory over hosts Morocco.
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Despite their remarkable achievements, coach Madugu will miss the Paris gala.
“Coach Madugu is not going for the awards, and I don’t think Nnadozie is also going,” a senior Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) official confirmed to NationSport.
However, contrary to the report, Nnadozie was later seen at the venue of the award gala.
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The duo’s nominations highlight the Falcons’ resurgence on the global stage. Under Madugu, the team regained continental dominance, while Nnadozie’s heroics between the posts have made her one of Africa’s most respected goalkeepers.
Meanwhile, attention at tonight’s event will be on the main prizes. In the men’s category, Paris Saint-Germain winger Ousmane Dembélé is tipped to edge Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal to the Ballon d’Or.
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In the women’s category, Spain and Barcelona star Aitana Bonmatí is in contention to win a third consecutive Ballon d’Or Féminin, though competition remains fierce.
AFCON 2025