Nigeria’s Super Falcons have once again placed African football in the global spotlight, with goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and head coach, Justine Madugu securing nominations for the prestigious 2025 Ballon d’Or awards.
Announced on August 7, 2025, by France Football, the organizers of the revered awards, Nnadozie is a contender for the Women’s Yachine Trophy, recognizing the world’s best female goalkeeper, while Madugu is shortlisted for the Women’s Johan Cruyff Trophy, honoring the top coach in women’s football.
Their nominations follow an exceptional campaign at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), where Nigeria clinched a record-extending 10th continental title.
The Super Falcons’ WAFCON triumph was a testament to their resilience and talent.
Trailing 2-0 at halftime against Morocco, the team rallied back with goals from Esther Okoronkwo and Folashade Ijamilusi, before Echegini sealed the 3-2 victory.
Team captain Rasheedat Ajibade, voted Player of the Tournament, praised the collective effort, saying, “We showed the world what we are capable of. This is for every young girl in Nigeria who dreams big.”
The victory, dubbed “Mission X” by the Nigeria Football Federation, not only reaffirmed Nigeria’s dominance in African women’s football but also inspired national pride, with President Bola Tinubu honoring the team with the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) award, $100,000 each for players, $50,000 for the technical team, and three-bedroom apartments for team members.
The 69th Ballon d’Or ceremony, set for September 22, 2025, at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, France, will celebrate these achievements.
Nnadozie and Madugu’s nominations highlight Nigeria’s growing influence in global football, with the Super Falcons’ success serving as a beacon for investment in women’s sports across Africa.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria’s Super Falcons are ranked the best team in Africa and 36th in the world with 1630 points, according to the latest FIFA Rankings.
World champions Spain top the global rankings with 2066 points, followed closely by the U.S with 2065 points.
Spain, the world champions, lead the rankings, followed by the U.S, Sweden (2025 points), and Euro Champions England (2022 points).
In Africa, Nigeria’s Super Falcons lead the way.
South Africa is second in Africa and 54th globally with 1465 points.
Morocco, hosts and finalists of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, are third in Africa (64th globally) with 1407 points.
Zambia follows in fourth with 1402 points (65th globally).
The next edition of the FIFA rankings will be published on December 11,2025.
