WAFCON: Gov Fintiri Gifts Falcons’ Coach Madugu House, N50m

Adamawa State governor, Ahmadu Fintiri has honoured the Super Falcons’ coach, Justine Madugu with a three-bedroom bungalow and a cash reward of N50 million following his role in leading the Nigeria’s senior national women football team to victory at the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) held recently in Morocco.

Coach Madugu, who hails from numan local government area of Adamawa State, received a hero’s welcome on Friday at the Government House in Yola, where Governor Fintiri applauded his patriotism, technical brilliance, and commitment to national glory.

The Governor expressed delight in the Super Falcons’ outstanding performance, which saw Nigeria clinching the WAFCON title for a record 10th time.

He noted that Madugu’s appointment as coach had always inspired confidence, citing his deep tactical intelligence and leadership qualities as key to the team’s success.

“It is a proud moment for us in Adamawa that one of our own has led Nigeria to victory on the continental stage,” Fintiri said. “From the moment he was appointed, I never doubted his capacity. His technical intelligence and focus have brought honor, not just to Nigeria but to Adamawa State as well.”

While presenting the gift of a three-bedroom flat and the N50 million cash reward, Governor Fintiri reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to developing sports infrastructure and nurturing talent across the state.

He revealed that modern stadiums have been built in several local government areas, alongside an ultra-modern international stadium currently under construction.

“We will continue to invest in sports. I urge you, Coach Madugu, to return home and help nurture more young talents. Your achievements are an inspiration, and we want you to be part of the sporting renaissance in Adamawa State,” he added.

Responding, Coach Madugu expressed his profound gratitude to the Governor and people of Adamawa for the warm reception and recognition of his contributions to national sports development.

He described the honour as one of the proudest moments of his 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. It was a personal mission to leave a legacy that will inspire respect for our state,” he said.

He noted that Adamawa has significantly contributed to national sports, with over 20 athletes representing Nigeria across male and female national teams.

Madugu also praised Governor Fintiri for revitalising sports in the state through various competitions, infrastructure development, and youth engagement initiatives.

The coach, however, appealed for more targeted efforts to promote women’s participation in sports, pointing out that cultural and religious barriers often hinder female athletes from reaching their full potential.