Super Falcons’ Chiamaka Nnadozie and coach Justine Madugu are Nominees for this year’s Ballon d’Or awards

Nnadozie is among the contenders for the Women’s Yachine Trophy, given to the world’s best female goalkeeper, while Madugu is in the running for the Women’s Johan Cruyff Trophy, which recognises the best women’s coach. The goalkeeper’s award is named in honour of legendary Soviet shot-stopper Lev Yashin, Sport360NG reports.

In the shortlist announced on Thursday, Nnadozie will compete against Germany’s Ann-Katrin Berger, Spain’s Cata Coll, England’s Hannah Hampton and the Netherlands’ Daphne van Domselaar. The winners will be revealed on September 22 at the Théâtre du Chatelet in Paris.

The 24-year-old played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) triumph, keeping four clean sheets on the way to being named Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament and earning a place in the Team of the Tournament. She also helped Paris FC lift the Coupe de France, making decisive saves in a penalty shootout victory over Paris Saint-Germain before sealing a move to Brighton.

Madugu’s nomination follows his unbeaten run with the Super Falcons at WAFCON 2024 in Morocco, where he guided the team to the title and was named Best Coach of the Tournament. He will face competition from England boss Sarina Wiegman, Arsenal’s Renee Slegers, Chelsea’s Sonia Bompastor and Spain’s Athur Elias.