The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has congratulated Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and head coach Justine Madugu following their impressive fourth-place finishes at the prestigious 2025 Ballon d’Or awards in Paris.
In a statement released on Tuesday in Abuja, Ademola Olajire, NFF’s Head of Media and Communications, praised the duo for bringing pride to Nigerian and African football on the global stage.
Nnadozie, who has been crowned Africa’s Best Goalkeeper for two consecutive years, further cemented her reputation after being named Goalkeeper of the Tournament at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, where she was instrumental in Nigeria’s record-extending 10th title.
“We heartily congratulate Nnadozie on her fourth-place finish in the race,” said NFF General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi. “It is a commendable feat given the calibre of goalkeepers she was up against. Finishing fourth is a big achievement, and we strongly believe in her capacity to win this prestigious award very soon.”
The federation also lauded Justine Madugu, who placed fourth in the Women’s Coach of the Year category. Sanusi noted that Madugu’s recognition validates the NFF’s decision to appoint him as Super Falcons manager, a role in which he has already led the team to continental success.
“Madugu’s achievement further underscores the fact that the NFF made the right call in giving him the Super Falcons job. We congratulate him and wish him even greater success in future editions,” Sanusi added.
At the ceremony, Chelsea and England’s Hannah Hampton clinched the Trophée Yachine for Best Goalkeeper, finishing ahead of Gotham FC’s Ann-Katrin Berger and Barcelona’s Cata Coll, with Nnadozie ranked just behind them and ahead of Arsenal’s Daphne van Domselaar.
In the coaching category, England manager Sarina Wiegman claimed the top prize, followed by Chelsea’s Sonia Bompastor, Brazil’s Arthur Elias, and Arsenal’s Renée Slegers, with Madugu proudly placing fourth.
The recognition of both Nnadozie and Madugu marks another milestone for Nigerian football, highlighting the growing impact of African talent on the world stage.
