Greg . 2 days ago

EXCLUSIVE: Nigeria's Madugu hails historic Ballon d’Or nomination as a win for Africa

Super Falcons interim lead coach Justine Madugu says his 2025 Ballon d’Or nomination signifies not only a personal achievement but also a victory for the entire continent.

Shortlisted for Women’s Team Coach of the Year alongside Sarina Wiegman, Emma Hayes, Bev Priestman, and Sonia Bompastor, the 61-year-old made history as the first African ever nominated for the grant.

Madugu rose to prominence after leading Nigeria, in an acting capacity, to a record-extending 10th title at the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Speaking for the first time since his nomination, Madugu acknowledged the significance of the recognition and vowed to do whatever it takes to live up to the new heights set.

"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 have ever been nominated at that level at this category," he told Betopick.

"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 grant 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.

At WAFCON, Nigeria won five of their six matches on the way to dethroning South Africa, with their only slip-up being a sketch against Algeria in their final group game in Casablanca.

 The West Africans’ most remarkable performance came in the final, where they overturned a two-goal deficit to beat hosts Morocco and claim the title.

"If you analyse our games carefully, I trust people recognise the valuable contributions made to the team (from a tactical point of view) and our consistent results across all matches reflect that," he continued.

"There was significant appreciation for the technical and tactical guidance from the coaching staff, which the players effectively translated on the field.

These factors likely played a key role in our victory in the final.

"Madugu, who previously managed Nigeria’s U17 and U20 women’s teams, also urged greater support for indigenous coaches, stressing that the gap between Africa and more progressed nations in women’s football and sports is narrowing rapidly"I want other African nations to trust in themselves just as the world believes in us," he added.

"We need to call on our people to offer us the support we acquire, because with that backing, the sky will only be our starting point.

 "The gap between us and the more built nations in women’s football and sports in general is closing rapidly.

 "I truly trust that with the right support, we can accomplish remarkable feats that will set us apart on the global stage, standing strong against coaches and teams from all continents.

“I’m truly grateful to the organisers for this immense recognition.

Knowing that people, even from afar, are watching, appreciating our efforts, and acknowledging the successes we’ve accomplished is deeply rewarding.

"To our numerous supporters and those wishing for our victory, I say thank you.

Whether we win or lose, I value their encouragement since the nomination was revealed, and I sincerely pray that their hopes are achieved with us ultimately winning this grant.

”Alongside coach Madugu, other African nominees contain Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, Mohamed Salah, Achraf Hakimi, Barbara Banda, Serhou Guirassy, Yassine Bounou, and Temwa Chawinga, each recognised in various categories.

The 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony is set for September 22nd at the prestigious Theatre du Chatelet in Paris.

Shina OludareBetopick