In a proud moment for Nigerian football, Super Falcons head coach Justine Madugu has been nominated for the 2025 Women’s Team Coach of the Year Trophy, one of the key honors under the prestigious Women’s Johan Cruyff Trophy awards.
Madugu, who took charge of the Super Falcons in 2023, has defied expectations with his steady leadership and strategic brilliance.
Under his guidance, Nigeria’s women’s national team enjoyed a strong campaign at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), where they won the trophy for the 10th time unbeaten and also qualified for the 2025 FIFA Women’s World Cup .
Often referred to as the “definition of born to prove doubters wrong”, Justine Madugu has won over critics with his results-driven approach and commitment to rebuilding the Super Falcons into a world-class side.
His nomination places him alongside coaching greats such as Emma Hayes (USA), Sarina Wiegman (England) and others.
“This is not just my nomination — it’s for the players, for Nigeria, and for everyone who believes in African excellence,” Madugu said in reaction to the announcement.
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The Women’s Johan Cruyff Trophy, which forms part of the Ballon d’Or awards hosted by France Football, celebrates exceptional performance and leadership in women’s football.
If Madugu wins, he would be the first male African coach to receive the honor — a groundbreaking moment for Nigerian and African football.
The award ceremony is scheduled for October 2025 in Paris, where the football world will witness who takes home one of the sport’s most coveted coaching prizes.
Madugu’s rise is more than a personal victory — it’s a symbol of African football’s growing presence and power on the global stage.