Super Falcons Interim head coach Justine Madugu says that his balloon d'Or nomination from 2025 not only means a personal performance, but also a victory for the entire continent.
On the shortlist for Women's Team Coach of the Year next to Sarina Wiegman, Emma Hayes, Bev Priestman and Sonia Bompastor, the 61-year-old History wrote as the first African ever nominated for the prize.
Madugu became known after leading Nigeria, in an acting capacity, to a record-expanding 10th title in the 2025 Women's Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Speaking for the first time since his nomination, recognized Madugu the meaning of the recognition and he promised to do what is needed to make the new height set true.
“It is a great honor, not only for me as a person, but also for our dear country because I don't know if another African coach has ever been nominated at that level in this category,” he told FlashScore.
“It is not a small achievement; just being nominated is a remarkable story. We thank God for it. It has established new heights and norms 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 that an African has received a price of such a size and recognition, making it more than just a Nigerian achievement.
“I was really surprised to see comments and reports from Europeans who root us and support us. To be honest, it made me incredibly proud to be a Nigerian and an African.
At Wafcon, Nigeria won five of their six games on their way to the deduction of South Africa, with their only slip-up a draw against Algeria in their last group game in Casablanca.
The most remarkable achievements of the West Africans came in the final, where they destroyed a shortage with two goals to beat hosts Morocco and claim the title.
“If you carefully analyze our games, I believe that people recognize the valuable contributions to the team (from a tactical point of view) and reflect our consistent results in all competitions that,” he continued.
“There was a considerable appreciation for the technical and tactical guidance of the coaching staff, which the players effectively translated into the field. These factors probably played a key role in our victory in the final.”
Madugu, who previously managed Nigeria's U17 and U20 lady teams, also insisted on more support for indigenous coaches, and emphasized that the gap between Africa and more advanced countries in women's football and sport quickly reduced
“I want other African countries to believe in themselves, just as the world believes in us,” he added.
“We have to call on our people to give ourselves the support we deserve, because with that support the air will only be our starting point.
“The gap between us and the more developed countries in women's football and sports in general closes quickly.
“I really believe that with the right support we can achieve remarkable performance that will distinguish us on the global stage, are strong against coaches and teams of all continents.
“I am really grateful to the organizers for this enormous recognition. Knowing that people, even from far away, watch, appreciate our efforts and acknowledge the successes that we have achieved, is deeply worthwhile.
“I say thank you to our many supporters and those who want our victory. Whether we win or lose now, I appreciate their encouragement since the nomination was announced, and I sincerely pray that their hope is filled with us who ultimately win this prize.”
In addition to coach Madugu, other African nominees Super Falcons -goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, Mohamed Salah, Achraf Hakimi, Barbara Banda, Serhou Guirassy, Yassine Bounou and Temwa Chawinga, each recognized in different categories.
The Ballon d'Or ceremony from 2025 is planned for September 22 in the prestigious Theater du Chatelet in Paris.
Shina OludareFlash score