Making History at 61: Justine Madugu finally speaks on groundbreaking Ballon d'Or nod

Nigerian football icon and current head coach of the Super Falcons, Justine Madugu, has spoken out for the first time after making history as the first African ever nominated for the prestigious 2025 Ballon d’Or Women’s Team Coach of the Year award.

This groundbreaking nomination marks a significant milestone not only for the quiet tactician Madugu personally but also for African football as a whole.

Madugu, who was officially unveiled among the nominees on August 7, 2025, alongside renowned names such as Sonia Bompastor (Spain), Arthur Elias (Brazil), Renée Slegers, and Sarina Wiegman (England), expressed deep humility and pride at the achievement.

“It’s a great honour not only for me as a person but for our dear country because I don’t know if any other African coach has ever been nominated at that level in this category,” Madugu told Flashscore.

He described the nomination as “not a small feat; 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.”

The Super Falcons coach emphasised what the nomination represents beyond personal accolade: “This is the first time an African has received an award of such magnitude and recognition, making it more than just a Nigerian achievement.”

Madugu’s road to this historic moment has been marked by a coaching career spanning decades, with key highlights including leading Nigeria’s women’s national team to victory at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, Nigeria’s record 10th continental title.

Under his tactical mastery, the Falcons went unbeaten in the tournament and displayed a blend of disciplined defense and incisive attacking play.

Despite the stiff competition from fellow nominees, such as Bompastor who guided Spain to the Euro 2025 final, Arthur Elias with Brazil’s Copa America triumph, and Sarina Wiegman celebrated for England’s Euro 2025 title and accolades from renowned artists like Burna Boy, Madugu remains focused on representing African football on the global stage.

“The nomination itself is a beacon of hope and inspiration for all African coaches and players striving for world-class achievements,” he reflected. “It shows that with hard work, dedication, and belief, we can compete and be recognized at the highest levels.”

All eyes will be on Madugu, whose nomination heralds a new era for African football, spotlighting indigenous coaching excellence and breaking barriers in women’s football worldwide as the Ballon d’Or ceremony approaches.