…Remain First In Africa, 36th FIFA Rankings
SUPER Falcons coach Justine Madugu and goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie have been nominated for the 2025 Ballon d’Or Johan Cruyff Trophy and Yachine Trophy, respectively.
The Johan Cruyff award honours the most outstanding coach in women’s football globally, while the Yachine Trophy is to recognise the world’s best women’s goalkeeper.
Madugu earned this prestigious nomination following his historic triumph at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), where he led the Super Falcons to their 10th continental title in sensational fashion.
In the final held in July in Rabat, Morocco, the Super Falcons mounted a dramatic comeback from two goals down to defeat the host nation 3-2, sealing a memorable and emotional victory for Nigeria.
Under Madugu’s leadership, the team scored 14 goals and conceded just three across six matches, finishing the tournament unbeaten with five wins and one draw — a goalless stalemate against Algeria.
The other nominees in this category are: Arthur Elias – Head coach, Brazil women’s national team and Renee Slegers, the Head coach, Arsenal Women.
Others are Sarina Wiegman, Head coach, England women’s national team and Sonia Bompastor, the Head coach, Chelsea FC Women.
On the other hand, Nnadozie, was also instrumental in Nigeria’s success at the 2024 WAFCON.
Her standout displays earned her the Best Goalkeeper award and a place in the Team of the Tournament.
Other nominees for the Yachine Trophy include Ann-Katrin Berger (Gotham FC), Cata Coll (Barcelona Femeni), Hannah Hampton (Chelsea Women), and Daphne van Domselaar (Arsenal Women).
Super Falcons Remain First In Africa
Meanwhile the Super Falcons are ranked the best team in Africa and 36th in the world with 1630 points, according to the latest FIFA Rankings released on Thursday.
World champions Spain are ranked top in the world with 2066 points, followed by the U.S with 2065 points. In third place is Sweden with 2025 points, while Euro Champions England is fourth with 2022 points.
In Africa, South Africa is ranked second place and 54th in the world with 1,465 points.
Women’s Africa Cup of Nations finalists and hosts, Morocco are third place with 1,407 point and 64th place in the world while Zambia are fourth with 1,402 points, and 65th at the global stage.
The next edition of the rankings will be published on Dec. 11. (NAN)
