Two Nigerian football personalities – goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and Super Falcons coach Justin Madugu – were in the running for two of the biggest awards at 2025 Ballon d’Or, Footynaija.com reports.
In the final ranking, Nnadozie was named the fourth-best goalkeeper in the world at the well-attended award ceremony in Paris.
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The Super Falcons No.1, who plays her club football for Brighton FC, was listed among the final top five contenders for the Women’s Yashin Trophy – awarded to the game’s most outstanding goalkeeper. England and Chelsea’s Hannah Hampton claimed the inaugural prize after a year that included a Women’s Euro 2025 triumph with the Lionesses and a domestic treble with Chelsea.
Germany’s Ann-Katrin Berger came second, Spain’s Cata Coll third, with Netherlands’ Daphne van Domselaar completing the top five.
For Nnadozie, who was present at the event, this is another milestone in a career already laden with defining moments.
The former Paris FC goalie was instrumental in Nigeria’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) triumph earlier this year, where she was named Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament. Her reputation was first cemented at the 2023 Women’s World Cup, when her penalty saves and commanding presence against Australia won her global acclaim.
Nigeria also had recognition in the coaching category. Super Falcons boss Justine Madugu was shortlisted for the Johan Cruyff Award, which ultimately went to England manager Sarina Wiegman after guiding her side to Euro 2025 glory.
Sonia Bompastor, Arthur Elias, Justine Madugu, Renée Slegers na Sarina Wiegman bahataniye igihembo cy’Umutoza w’Umwaka w’Ikipe y’Abagore mu bihembo bya Ballon d’Or ya 2025. pic.twitter.com/9pDAaSX5q2
— IGIHE Sports (@IGIHESports) August 7, 2025
Madugu, however, was credited for leading Nigeria to their 10th continental crown and restoring belief in the team.
Though no Nigerian lifted a trophy in Paris, Nnadozie’s top-four finish and Madugu’s shortlisting reinforced the Falcons’ reputation as Africa’s benchmark on the global stage.
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