•Collage of Coach Justine Madugu and Chiamaka Nnadozie.

Nigerian women’s football has earned more global recognition as Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and head coach Justin Madugu have both been nominated for prestigious honours at the 2025 Ballon d’Or awards.

Nnadozie, a standout performer in the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), has been shortlisted for the Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year, while Madugu has earned a nomination for Women’s Coach of the Year.

Their nominations come on the heels of Nigeria’s historic 10th WAFCON title, secured in Morocco after a dominant run in the tournament.

Nnadozie, who captained the side, delivered a string of heroic performances between the sticks, including crucial penalty saves and commanding displays that underpinned the Falcons’ unbeaten campaign.

Coach Madugu, who took over the Super Falcons in late 2023, has been praised for revitalizing the team and instilling a disciplined, attacking style of play.

Coach Madugu, who took over the Super Falcons in late 2023, has been praised for revitalizing the team and instilling a disciplined, attacking style of play.

Under his leadership, the Falcons overcame strong competition from host nation Morocco and defending champions South Africa en route to lifting the trophy.

(Vanguard).

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conferred national honours on members of Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, following their historic triumph at the 2025 FIBA Women’s Afrobasket Championship.

D’Tigress defeated Senegal in a thrilling final to clinch the 2025 title, extending their dominance in African women’s basketball and reinforcing Nigeria’s status as a basketball powerhouse on the continent.

In addition to the prestigious honours, President Tinubu announced a cash reward of $100,000 for each player on the championship-winning team. Members of the technical crew will also receive $50,000 each in recognition of their role in the team’s success.

The announcement was made on Monday as the President hosted the team at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, celebrating their outstanding performance that secured Nigeria’s fourth consecutive Afrobasket title.

President Tinubu praised the team’s resilience, discipline, and representation of Nigeria on the continental stage, describing them as role models for the nation’s youth and a symbol of national pride.

•Super Falcons captain, Rasheedat Ajibade

Super Falcons captain, Rasheedat Ajibade, on Saturday, shared her journey from humble beginnings to continental success in a testimony at the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries’ Prayer City, Ogun State.

Ajibade, who led Nigeria to its 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title in Morocco, attended the August edition of the church’s monthly ‘Power Must Change Hands’ programme.

The Punch reports that the Atletico Madrid forward told the congregation that she once hawked olive oil, kunu, and zobo drinks within the church premises before rising to fame as a professional footballer.

She said in part, “Whenever things are tough at my club or with the national team, I pray,

“I do my part through hard work but never forget to seek God’s help.”She added,

“I was once one of those young girls out there hawking olive oil, kunu, and zobo drinks in most of the deliverance programmes, but today, I give glory to God.”