Nigeria’s Justine Madugu nominated for 2025 Johann Cruyff Trophy

Super Falcons head coach Justine Madugu has been shortlisted for the 2025 Johann Cruyff Trophy, an award that recognises the best women’s coach in world football.

The 61-year-old Nigerian tactician was appointed interim manager of the national team in September 2024 and has since overseen a remarkable turnaround in performance.

Under her guidance, the Super Falcons recorded an impressive nine wins, two draws and just a single defeat, a campaign crowned by their triumph at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Madugu’s coaching style has been widely praised, particularly for her commitment to an attacking brand of football structured around a fluid 4-3-3 formation.

Her approach placed strong emphasis on midfield control and wing play, with team captain Rasheedat Ajibade playing a central leadership role on and off the pitch.

Her success has now been recognised with a nomination for the prestigious Johann Cruyff Trophy. Named after the legendary Dutch footballer and manager, the award is given to the women’s coach who best embodies tactical innovation, leadership, and overall impact within the game over the previous year.

Joining Madugu on the five-person shortlist are Lyon manager Sonia Bompastor, Brazil women’s head coach Arthur Elias, Dutch tactician Renée Slegers, and England’s Sarina Wiegman.

The award, established to honour coaches who go beyond just winning trophies, evaluates a range of criteria. These include team performance, tactical sophistication, titles achieved, player development, the ability to maximise available resources, and maintaining the values of respect and fair play.

Madugu’s leadership of Nigeria’s women’s national team ticks many of these boxes. Her success in bringing structure to the side while encouraging an expressive style of play has revitalised the Super Falcons.

The Africa Cup of Nations victory under her tenure was not only a significant achievement but a reflection of her capacity to unify and motivate the squad to reach new levels.

She has also shown a clear commitment to youth development, integrating promising talents into the senior team setup while maintaining a competitive balance.

The results on the pitch have validated her decisions, and the Super Falcons now stand among the continent’s strongest and most organised teams.

Reacting to her nomination, Madugu expressed gratitude to the Nigerian Football Federation, her technical staff, and the players who, she said, “gave everything on the pitch and fully believed in the team’s vision.”

This is the first time a Nigerian coach has been nominated for the Johann Cruyff Trophy, adding to the significance of Madugu’s recognition on the global stage.

The winner of the award will be announced at the Ballon d’Or ceremony later this year. For now, Madugu’s inclusion among some of the most respected names in women’s football is a landmark moment in a coaching career that continues to rise rapidly.

Here are our 2025 nominees for the Women’s Team Coach of the Year Trophy!

Sonia Bompastor
Arthur Elias
Justine Madugu
Renée Slegers
Sarina Wiegman#ballondor pic.twitter.com/BtpKZ36HoK

— Ballon d’Or (@ballondor) August 7, 2025