By Obaloluwa Joshua, LAGOS
Super Falcons head coach Justine Madugu has reacted to his nomination for the 2025 Ballon d’Or award, Prompt News reports.
Madugu is among the five coaches shortlisted for Women’s Team Coach of the Year by the organisers.
Sarina Wiegman, Emma Hayes, Bev Priestman, and Sonia Bompastor are also in contention for the individual accolade.
The 61-year-old is the first African coach to be nominated for the prestigious award.
Madugu guided the Super Falcons to win a historic 10th title at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco last month.
“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 at this category,” he told Flashscore.
“It’s 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 do our best to ensure that we live up to expectations. It is not easy.
“This is the first time an African has received an award of such magnitude and recognition, making it more than just a Nigerian achievement.
“I was genuinely surprised to see comments and reports from Europeans rooting for and supporting us. Honestly, it made me incredibly proud to be a Nigerian and an African.”
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