Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State has bestowed a three-bedroom bungalow and a cash reward of fifty million naira on Coach Justine Madugu of the Super Falcons, in recognition of his instrumental role in guiding the Nigerian women’s national football team to victory at the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), which took place recently in Morocco.
Coach Madugu, a native of Numan Local Government Area in Adamawa State, was warmly received at the Government House in Yola on Friday, where Governor Fintiri praised his patriotism, tactical acumen, and unwavering commitment to achieving national glory.
The Governor expressed immense pride in the Super Falcons’ outstanding achievement, noting that Nigeria had secured the WAFCON title for a record 10th time. He highlighted Madugu’s appointment as coach as a source of confidence, citing his technical brilliance and leadership as pivotal to the team’s success.
“It is a moment of immense pride for us in Adamawa that one of our own has led Nigeria to continental success,” Governor Fintiri remarked. “From the outset of his appointment, I had no doubt about his capabilities. His tactical intelligence and dedication have brought honor not only to Nigeria but also to Adamawa State.”
In presenting the rewards—comprising a three-bedroom bungalow and N50 million—Governor Fintiri reiterated his administration’s commitment to developing sports infrastructure and nurturing sporting talent within the state. He revealed that modern stadiums have been constructed in various local government areas, with an international-standard stadium currently under development.
“We will continue to invest in sports. Coach Madugu, I encourage you to return home and help foster young talent. Your success is an inspiration, and we want you to be integral to the sporting renaissance in Adamawa State,” the Governor added.
An emotional Coach Madugu expressed his deep gratitude for the recognition, describing the honor as one of the proudest moments of his career.
“I am truly overwhelmed by today’s recognition. I thank God and the government of Adamawa State for this acknowledgment,” Madugu said. “When I accepted this role, I saw it as an opportunity to prove that northerners, too, can lead at the highest levels. It was a personal mission to leave a lasting legacy that would earn respect for our state.”
Madugu also noted that Adamawa State has made significant contributions to national sports, with more than 20 athletes representing Nigeria across various male and female national teams.
The coach took the opportunity to commend Governor Fintiri for revitalizing sports in the state through infrastructure development, youth engagement initiatives, and the staging of various competitions. However, he also called for further efforts to promote women’s participation in sports, acknowledging that cultural and religious constraints often limit female athletes from realizing their full potential.
