Nigeria’s Justin Madugu nominated for 2025 Women’s Johan Cruyff Trophy

Head coach of Nigeria’s senior women’s national team, Justin Madugu, has been nominated for the 2025 Women’s Johan Cruyff Trophy, an award recognizing the world’s best women’s football coach.

This nomination is a direct result of his tactical brilliance and leadership at the just concluded 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON held last month in Morocco), where he led a historic campaign that saw the Super Falcons clinch their record-extending 10th continental title.

In the final held last month in Morocco, Madugu’s side mounted a dramatic comeback from two goals down to defeat the host nation 3-2, sealing a memorable and emotional victory for Nigeria.

Under the Nigerian’s’s leadership made the Super Falcons a force to be reckoned with throughout the competition. They concluded the tournament with an impressive unbeaten record, registering five victories and one draw, scorimg 14 goals and conceding just three across six matches.

Madugu is one of five finalists for the Johan Cruyff Trophy as he stands side by side against fellow nominees; Arthur Elias (Head coach, Brazil women’s national team), Renee Slegers Head coach, (Arsenal Women), Sarina Wiegman (Head coach, England women’s national team) and Sonia Bompastor ( Head coach, Chelsea FC Women).

The Johan Cruyff Trophy, awarded annually as part of the Ballon d’Or ceremony by France Football, honours the most outstanding coach in women’s football globally.

Madugu’s Madugu is the first Nigerian coach to be nominated for a Ballon d’Or-linked best coach award.