NFF hails Chiamaka Nnadozie and Justine Madugu on historic Ballon d’Or recognition

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has praised Super Falcons’ and Brighton and Hove Albion’s goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and Head Coach Justine Madugu their representation at the 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris on Monday.

Nnadozie, who is the starting goalkeeper for Nigeria senior womens team was nominated for the first Women’s Yashin Trophy and she finished fourth-place. Ademola Olajire, Head of NFF’s Media and Communications department, stated this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

NFF General Secretary underscored the significance of the achievement, General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi said that the 24 year old has been a pillar of Nigerian football.

“We heartily congratulate 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.”

Nnadozie finished fourth behind England’s Hannah Hampton

Nnadozie, has been Africa’s Best Goalkeeper for the past two years, and was also named Goalkeeper of the tournament for the just concluded Women Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco.

She played a key role in Nigeria’s 10th triumph at WAFCON. Sanusi also praised Super Falcons’ Head Coach Justine Madugu, who also finished fourth in the Women’s Coach of the Year category.

“Madugu’s feat further underscores the fact that the NFF was right to have given him the Super Falcons’ job, which had earlier been validated with him leading the team to victory.

We congratulate him on this feat and wish him victory in the awards in the coming years.”

Nnadozie finished fourth behind England and Chelsea FC’s Hannah Hampton, who took home the Trophée Yachine, Gotham FC’s Ann-Katrin Berger, and Barcelona FC’s Cata Coll.

She, however, finished above Arsenal FC’s Daphne van Domselaar in the Top Five.

Madugu was fourth in a race won by Sarina Wiegman, who led England to the UEFA Women’s Championship title, and which also included Chelsea’s Sonia Bompastor, Brazil’s Arthur Elias and Arsenal FC’s Renée Slegers.

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