Justin Madugu places African coaches on world footballing stage

African coaches have made their mark on world football, with Nigeria’s senior womens national team coach, Justin Madugu breaking new grounds by becoming the first coach from the continent to be nominated for a major international coaching award.

Madugu who took Super Falcons of Nigeria to Continental glory in July has been nominated for 2025 Ballon d’Or women’s Johan Cruyff Trophy”. An award which was created to honour the best coach in the world.

The Ballon d’Or introduced the best coach award, called the “Johan Cruyff Trophy,” for both men and women, in 2024. The first winners of this new award were announced at the 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony, with Carlo Ancelotti of Real Madrid winning for men’s coaching and England coach Emma Hayes winning thr women’s category.

This award is separate from the “FIFA World Coach of the Year” award which was created in 2010 and is now called “The Best FIFA Football Coach” award.

The Nigerian was appointed as the interim head coach of the Super Falcons by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) in September 26, 2024, following the departure of the previous coach, Randy Waldrum, who he assisted.

Following his appointment the 61 year-old took proved that he was the right man for the job as he won four out of his first six games.

A goalless draw against Portugal in Lisbon and a 2-1 loss to France in a friendly. The wins came against Algeria twice in double header, Cameroon and Ghana.

With the friendly matches complete, Madugu led the team into his first Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) tournament in Morocco as head coach, a competition he was familiar with from his time as an assistant.

The former assistant coach was tasked by the NFF to bring back the 2024 WAFCON title home as Nigeria sought to win it for a record extending 10th time.

And as such Madugu and his team did not fail in their mission X, going on an invincible run winning, Tunisia and Botswana, in the group stage while drawing Algeria.

Furthermore, heading into the knockout stage his side dispatched Zambia and South Africa to book a date in the final against host nation Morocco.

The finals brought out the tactical brilliance of Madugu as his side went into the break trailing by two goals.

However, Super Falcons mounted a comeback in the second half to lift the WAFCON for the 10th time.

This recognition for Coach Justin Madugu has set the stage for more coaches in Africa to be acknowledged on the world stage.

The Nigerian now stands as a record breaker for the continent.