Super Falcons: Justin Madugu falls short of Johan Cruyff honours at Ballon d’Or awards

Super Falcons coach Justin Madugu came up short in the Ballon d’Or Best Coach of the Year rankings, after the results were announced in Paris on Monday night, with England manager Sarina Wiegman taking the top prize.

The 61-year-old, who steered Nigeria to their record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title in July, was the first African, male or female ever shortlisted for the women’s football coach prize.

Madugu’s recognition capped a tournament to remember in Morocco, where he guided the Super Falcons past the hosts in a thrilling 3–2 final and was named CAF’s Best Coach of the Tournament. But he could not edge out Chelsea’s Sonia Bompastor, Arsenal’s Renee Slegers, Brazil’s Arthur Elias and England’s Sarina Wiegman, who occupied the top four places.

Sarina Wiegman from @Lionesses is the women's Johan Cruyff Trophy winner!#ballondor pic.twitter.com/vQKWpntnDg

— Ballon d'Or (@ballondor) September 22, 2025

What next for Madugu and the Super Falcons?

A veteran assistant coach, Madugu stepped up on an interim basis following the departure of American manager Randy Waldrum. His success has sparked calls for the Nigeria Football Federation to make his appointment permanent.

The decision now lies with the NFF Technical Committee, chaired by Rabiu Inuwa Ahlan, which has yet to confirm its stance. With a Women’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifying doubleheader against Benin Republic looming in October, clarity over the coaching role has become pressing.

Though he left Paris without silverware, Madugu’s fifth-place finish placed him among the game’s elite coaches and showed his growing stature on the global stage.