BO 2025: Nigerian coach Justine Madugu nominated for the 2025 Cruyff Trophy (W) | OneFootball

The Super Falcons head coach joins the global elite after Nigeria's continental triumph in July.

BO 2025: Nigerian coach Justine Madugu nominated for the 2025 Cruyff Trophy (W)

Justine Madugu is among the five finalists for the Johan Cruyff Trophy for Best Women's Team Coach at the 2025 Ballon d'Or. This honor recognizes the 61-year-old Nigerian tactician who led the Super Falcons to the African championship title.

Justine Madugu made his mark on 2025 by restoring Nigeria to the summit of African women's football. The strategist guided the Super Falcons to their record tenth Women's Africa Cup of Nations title in 2024. This outstanding achievement in Morocco last July has now earned him top-tier international recognition.

Madugu's name now stands alongside Sonia Bompastor (Chelsea), Arthur Elias (Brazil head coach), Renée Slegers (Arsenal), and Sarina Wiegman (England) in the race for the prestigious trophy. This nomination places the African coach, Best Coach of the 2024 WAFCON, among the global benchmarks in women's football management.