The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, has called on the Federal Government to give coaches of national teams the same recognition and rewards as players, following the Super Falcons’ triumph at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
Delivering a sermon titled “The Winning Team” during RCCG’s monthly Thanksgiving Service at the Throne of Grace Parish in Ebute-Metta, Lagos, Pastor Adeboye commended President Bola Tinubu for awarding each of the 24 Falcons players $100,000 (in naira equivalent).
However, he appealed for equal treatment of the team’s technical crew, including head coach Justin Madugu, emphasizing their essential role in the victory.
“I thank the President for the gift to the Falcons,” Pastor Adeboye said.
“But I’m not quite sure I agree that the coaches should receive less than the players. Without coaches, the team cannot succeed.
I don’t want to stir controversy God bless the coaches, because we need them.”
In recognition of their WAFCON victory, President Tinubu had conferred national honors on all 24 players and the 11-member technical crew, naming them Officers of the Order of the Niger (OON).
Each was also awarded a three-bedroom apartment under the Renewed Hope Housing Scheme. While players received $100,000 each, members of the coaching and technical team were given $50,000 each.
Pastor Adeboye also shared a personal anecdote from the 1960s, reflecting on his time as a boxer and the lasting influence of his coach.
“In 1960, I had a coach who pushed us hard. We once asked if we were being trained for the army. But today, I’m grateful.
He helped us build strength. He’d make me push against a wall as though I was trying to pull it down.
A good coach sees potential and brings out the best in you.”
He concluded by stressing the importance of discipline, experience, and quality coaching in any sport, urging both the government and the public to acknowledge coaches as key contributors to every team’s success.
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