AFCON 2025
No Nigerian female footballer has been nominated for the 2025 Ballon d’Or Féminin, as France Football unveiled its list of 30 nominees for this year’s prestigious award.
The announcement has once again drawn attention to the absence of African representation among the game’s most celebrated names, despite strong performances from players on the continent, particularly in Nigeria.
This year’s shortlist is dominated by players from Europe and South America, with Spain’s Aitana Bonmatí and Alexia Putellas, as well as several members of England’s Euro 2025-winning squad, among the standout nominees.
Their inclusion follows stellar campaigns at both club and international level. However, despite Nigeria’s consistent presence at major tournaments and the global impact of some of its stars, none made the cut for the main women’s award.
Nonetheless, Nigeria is not entirely absent from the ceremony. Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie earned a nomination for the Women’s Yashin Trophy following a string of impressive performances for both club and country.
Her commanding presence in goal, particularly during the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and Olympic qualifiers, has not gone unnoticed.
In addition, national team coach Justine Madugu is among the nominees for the Women’s Coach of the Year after guiding the Super Falcons to an unbeaten WAFCON campaign and a solid Olympic run.
The lack of Nigerian names on the main shortlist continues a worrying trend and underscores the challenges African players face in receiving top-level recognition.
