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Adamawa Governor honours Super Falcons Coach Justine Madugu with house, cash for WAFCON triumph
By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde
Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has honored Nigeria’s senior women’s national team coach Justine Madugu with a three-bedroom bungalow and a ₦50 million cash reward for his role in Nigeria’s victorious campaign at the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
Madugu, a proud son of Numan Local Government Area, was celebrated at the Government House in Yola, where Governor Fintiri praised his patriotism, tactical brilliance, and unwavering dedication to national success on Friday.
“It is a proud moment for us in Adamawa that one of our own has led Nigeria to victory on the continental stage,” the governor stated.
“From the moment he was appointed, I never doubted his capacity. His technical intelligence and calm leadership brought honor not just to Nigeria but to Adamawa State.”
Nigeria’s triumph in Morocco marked their record 10th WAFCON title, further solidifying the Super Falcons’ status as Africa’s most successful women’s national team.
During the ceremony, Governor Fintiri reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sports development, noting that several modern stadiums have been built across local government areas, with an ultra-modern international stadium currently under construction.
“We will continue to invest in sports,” Fintiri added. “Coach Madugu, I urge you to return home and help nurture the next generation of athletes. Your achievement is an inspiration, and we want you to be part of the sporting renaissance in Adamawa State.”
An emotional Coach Justine Madugu expressed heartfelt gratitude for the recognition, calling it one of the proudest moments of his coaching career.
“I’m overwhelmed by what is happening today. I thank God and the government of Adamawa State for this recognition,” Madugu said.
“When I took up this role, I saw it as a challenge to prove that northerners, too, can lead at the highest levels. I wanted to leave a legacy that will inspire pride and respect for our state.”
He noted that Adamawa has contributed over 20 athletes to Nigeria’s national teams and praised Governor Fintiri’s efforts to revitalize sports through infrastructure, grassroots competitions, and youth development initiatives.
Madugu concluded by appealing for greater investment in women’s sports, emphasizing that cultural and religious barriers continue to limit many female athletes’ potential.
“Women have to overcome so much to succeed in sport. We must create more opportunities and eliminate the barriers they face.”
