NFF applauds Nnadozie and Madugu for Ballon d’Or recognition

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has extended heartfelt congratulations to Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and Head Coach Justine Madugu following their impressive fourth place finishes at the 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony held in Paris on Monday night.

Nnadozie, currently with Brighton in England, has maintained her status as Africa’s Best Goalkeeper for two consecutive years. She was also named Goalkeeper of the Tournament at the Women Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, where she played a pivotal role in securing Nigeria’s 10th continental title.

‘We heartily congratulate Chiamaka Nnadozie on her fourth place finish in the race. It is a commendable feat given the calibre of goalkeepers she was up against. Finishing fourth is a big achievement and we believe in her capacity to win this trophy very soon,’ said NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi.

Sanusi also praised Coach Justine Madugu, who secured fourth place in the Women’s Coach of the Year category.

‘Coach Madugu’s feat further underscores the fact that the NFF was right to have given him the Super Falcons’ head coach’s role, which had earlier been validated with him leading the team to victory at the WAFCON in Morocco. We congratulate him on this feat and wish him victory in the awards in the coming years.’

Nnadozie ranked behind England and Chelsea’s Hannah Hampton, who won the Trophée Yachine, Gotham FC’s Ann-Katrin Berger, and Barcelona’s Cata Coll. She placed ahead of Arsenal’s Daphne van Domselaar in the Top Five.

Madugu’s fourth place finish came in a category led by Sarina Wiegman, who guided England to the UEFA Women’s Championship title. Other contenders included Chelsea’s Sonia Bompastor, Brazil’s Arthur Elias, and Arsenal’s Renée Slegers.