Nominated for Women’s Team Coach of the Year alongside Sarina Wiegman, Emma Hayes, Bev Priestman, and Sonia Bompastor, the 61-year-old has made history as the first African ever nominated for this award.
Madugu gained recognition after guiding Nigeria, in an interim role, to a record-extending 10th title at the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Speaking publicly for the first time since his nomination, Madugu acknowledged the importance of this recognition and promised to strive to meet the new standards set.
"It's a tremendous honor not only for me personally but for our beloved country, as I am uncertain if any other African coach has ever been nominated at this level in this category," he told Flashscore.
"Being nominated itself is a significant achievement. We are grateful for it. It has established new heights and standards that we must endeavor to meet. It is not an easy task.
"This marks the first occasion an African has received such a prestigious award and recognition, making it more than just a Nigerian accomplishment.
"I was genuinely astonished to see comments and reports from Europeans supporting us. Honestly, it filled me with immense pride to be a Nigerian and an African.
At WAFCON, Nigeria secured victory in five out of six matches on their path to dethroning South Africa, with their sole setback being a draw against Algeria in their final group match in Casablanca.
The West Africans’ most impressive performance occurred in the final, where they overcame a two-goal deficit to defeat hosts Morocco and clinch the title.
"If you analyze our games closely, I believe people recognize the significant contributions made to the team (from a tactical perspective) and our consistent results across all matches reflect that," he continued.
"There was considerable appreciation for the technical and tactical direction from the coaching staff, which the players effectively implemented on the field. These elements likely played a crucial role in our victory in the final."
Madugu, who previously managed Nigeria’s U17 and U20 women’s teams, also called for increased support for local coaches, emphasizing that the gap between Africa and more developed nations in women’s football and sports is rapidly closing
"I want other African nations to have faith in themselves just as the world believes in us," he added.
"We need to urge our people to provide us with the support we deserve, because with that backing, the sky will only be our starting point.
"The divide between us and the more advanced nations in women’s football and sports overall is diminishing quickly.
"I genuinely believe that with the right support, we can achieve extraordinary feats that will distinguish us on the global stage, standing strong against coaches and teams from all continents.
“I am truly thankful to the organizers for this significant recognition. Knowing that people, even from afar, are watching, valuing our efforts, and acknowledging the successes we’ve attained is profoundly rewarding.
"To our many supporters and those wishing for our success, I express my gratitude. Regardless of whether we win or lose, I appreciate their encouragement since the nomination was announced, and I sincerely hope their aspirations are fulfilled with us ultimately winning this award.”
Alongside coach Madugu, other African nominees include Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, Mohamed Salah, Achraf Hakimi, Barbara Banda, Serhou Guirassy, Yassine Bounou, and Temwa Chawinga, each recognized in various categories.
The 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony is scheduled for September 22nd at the prestigious Theatre du Chatelet in Paris.
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