Ballon d’Or: A big achievement - NFF hails Nnadozie and Madugu for historic 4th place finishes

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has praised Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and head coach Justine Madugu following their impressive recognition at the 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris on Monday night.

Nnadozie, who plies her trade at Brighton & Hove Albion, finished fourth in the Women’s Yachine Trophy for best goalkeeper.

The 24-year-old has cemented her reputation as Africa’s finest shot-stopper, having been named the continent’s Best Goalkeeper for the past two years.

Her stellar displays at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), where she was crowned Goalkeeper of the Tournament as Nigeria secured a record-extending 10th continental title, earned her global recognition.

NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, applauded her achievement.

He said, “We heartily congratulate Chiamaka Nnadozie on her fourth-place finish. It is a commendable feat given the calibre of goalkeepers she was up against. Finishing fourth is a big achievement and we believe in her capacity to win this trophy very soon.”

Nnadozie finished behind winner Hannah Hampton (Chelsea and England), Ann-Katrin Berger (Gotham FC), and Barcelona’s Cata Coll, but placed above Arsenal’s Daphne van Domselaar.

Super Falcons head coach Justine Madugu also claimed fourth place in the Women’s Coach of the Year category.

His recognition follows Nigeria’s dramatic 3-2 victory over hosts Morocco in the WAFCON final, which secured the Falcons’ 10th title.

Dr. Sanusi also commended the coach’s achievement, “Coach Madugu’s feat further underscores the fact that the NFF was right to have given him the Super Falcons’ head coach’s role. This recognition validates his leadership and we wish him more success in future awards.”

The category was won by England’s Sarina Wiegman, with Chelsea’s Sonia Bompastor, Brazil’s Arthur Elias, and Arsenal’s Renée Slegers also in contention.