ABUJA — The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced its list of nominees for the prestigious 2025 Women’s Coach of the Year award, featuring two Nigerians — Justin Madugu and Bankole Olowookere — in recognition of their outstanding achievements in women’s football over the past year.
The nomination underscores Nigeria’s continued dominance and leadership in African women’s football, following the Super Falcons’ successful campaign at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) and the Flying Eagles’ remarkable performances at the youth level.
Madugu’s Masterclass: Super Falcons’ WAFCON Glory
Justin Madugu’s inclusion among the CAF Women’s Coach of the Year nominees comes as no surprise. The tactician guided Nigeria’s Super Falcons to their record-extending 10th WAFCON title in Morocco last year, reaffirming the nation’s unrivaled pedigree in African women’s football.
Under Madugu’s guidance, the Falcons displayed tactical discipline, resilience, and flair throughout the tournament. The highlight of his tenure came in the thrilling final against hosts Morocco, where Nigeria came from behind to secure a dramatic 3-2 victory in Rabat.
The match, watched by millions across the continent, showcased the depth and character of the Nigerian team. Despite a hostile crowd and a strong Moroccan side, the Falcons showed composure and determination to reclaim their continental crown.
Madugu’s team dominated their group, topping it with three straight wins, before dispatching South Africa in a tense semi-final encounter. The victory in the final not only restored Nigeria’s supremacy after their 2022 disappointment but also sealed Madugu’s reputation as one of Africa’s most tactically astute coaches.
Double Recognition for Madugu
In addition to his CAF nomination, Justin Madugu also earned a prestigious Women’s Coach of the Year nomination at the 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony, held in Paris earlier this year. The recognition placed him among the global elite in women’s football management — a rare feat for an African coach.
His ability to blend experience and youth within the Super Falcons squad was widely praised. Madugu successfully integrated emerging talents such as Gift Monday and Esther Onyenezide alongside veterans like Asisat Oshoala, Rasheedat Ajibade, and Chiamaka Nnadozie.
Analysts have credited his modern tactical approach — emphasizing possession, high pressing, and swift transitions — as key to Nigeria’s revival.
Bankole Olowookere: The Youth Coach Making Waves
Also flying the Nigerian flag is Bankole Olowookere, the head coach of Nigeria’s Under-17 women’s team, the Flamingos. His nomination recognizes the remarkable progress made under his leadership, as he continues to build a pipeline of young female footballers for the national setup.
Olowookere led the Flamingos to several impressive showings in international competitions, including their strong performances in the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers. Known for his attention to player development and technical growth, he has been instrumental in nurturing the next generation of Super Falcons.
Under his guidance, the Flamingos have gained a reputation for attractive, attacking football, as well as their mental toughness in competitive tournaments.
Olowookere’s work has drawn praise from both CAF and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), which lauded his ability to sustain Nigeria’s legacy in women’s youth football.
Nigeria’s Continued Dominance in Women’s Football
The double nomination of Madugu and Olowookere reflects Nigeria’s entrenched influence in African women’s football — both at the senior and youth levels. Over the years, Nigeria has consistently produced top-tier talent and coaches, maintaining its position as the powerhouse of women’s football on the continent.
The Super Falcons’ record of 10 WAFCON titles, combined with their frequent appearances at the FIFA Women’s World Cup, places them far ahead of their African rivals. Meanwhile, the success of developmental teams like the Flamingos and the Falconets (U-20) has ensured a steady supply of talented players to the senior squad.
CAF Awards 2025: A Celebration of Excellence
The CAF Awards, scheduled to hold later this year in Marrakesh, Morocco, will celebrate the continent’s finest players, coaches, and teams. The Women’s Coach of the Year category features a competitive field, including coaches from South Africa, Morocco, Zambia, and Ghana.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe noted that the 2025 edition will highlight “exceptional achievements that have uplifted African football globally.” The awards, he added, will also recognize the increasing impact of African women in football — both on and off the pitch.
Nigeria’s strong presence in this year’s nominations list — spanning multiple categories including Player of the Year, Goalkeeper of the Year, and Team of the Year — is a testament to the country’s enduring contribution to African football excellence.
NFF Commends Both Coaches
Reacting to the nominations, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) congratulated both Madugu and Olowookere, describing their recognition as “a proud moment for Nigerian football.”
NFF President Ibrahim Gusau said the nominations were “a direct reflection of Nigeria’s sustained investment in women’s football development and coaching excellence.”
“Coach Madugu’s success with the Super Falcons has reignited our belief in the strength of Nigerian coaching talent,” Gusau said. “Similarly, Coach Olowookere’s work at the youth level is laying the foundation for the next decade of success.”
He added that both men serve as role models for upcoming Nigerian coaches, showing that local expertise can achieve results on the continental and global stage.
What Lies Ahead
As both coaches await the CAF Awards ceremony, attention now turns to their next challenges. Madugu is preparing the Super Falcons for the 2026 Africa Women’s Championship qualifiers and the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup campaign, while Olowookere continues to groom his U-17 side ahead of the next World Cup cycle.
Football analysts believe that their success could usher in a new era for Nigeria’s women’s football, emphasizing technical growth, scouting, and local coaching capacity.
Conclusion
The nominations of Justin Madugu and Bankole Olowookere for the CAF Women’s Coach of the Year Award 2025 symbolize Nigeria’s unrelenting dominance in African women’s football and its growing influence on the global stage.
From Madugu’s historic WAFCON triumph to Olowookere’s developmental brilliance, both coaches have demonstrated that Nigerian football remains a beacon of excellence and inspiration for the continent.
As the football world watches the CAF Awards later this year, Nigeria once again stands tall — not just for its players, but for the visionary coaches who continue to elevate the nation’s beautiful game.
