Fintiri Rewards Falcons Coach, Madugu, with ₦50 Million, House for WAFCON Victory

Fintiri Rewards Falcons Coach, Madugu, with ₦50 Million, House for WAFCON Victory Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State has presented the head coach of the Super Falcons, Justine Pwanidi Madugu, with a cash gift of ₦50 million and a three-bedroom bungalow in appreciation of his outstanding performance at the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), where Nigeria clinched its tenth continental title. The presentation took place at the Government House in Yola on Friday , August 1, 2025, and was attended by senior government officials and members of the sporting community. Coach Madugu, an indigene of Adamawa State, was hailed by Governor Fintiri as a symbol of excellence and a proud son of the state who brought honour not only to Nigeria but also to his roots. The governor praised Madugu’s leadership of the Nigerian women’s national football team, particularly his tactical expertise and calm stewardship that led the team to a thrilling 3–2 victory over Morocco in the final match of the WAFCON tournament hosted in Rabat. In his remarks, Governor Fintiri expressed deep admiration for the resilience and determination shown by the Super Falcons throughout the competition. He said Madugu’s contribution to Nigeria’s football history could not go unnoticed, especially considering his background as a product of Adamawa. He noted that the state would continue to encourage and reward indigenes who excel in various fields, especially in service to the nation. Presenting the keys to the bungalow and a symbolic cheque, the governor said the reward was not just a personal gift to Madugu but also a message to young people in Adamawa that excellence and patriotism are always recognized. He added that the achievement of the Super Falcons was a reminder of the country’s immense potential in sports and the need for continued investment in talent development. Coach Madugu, visibly moved by the honour, expressed his gratitude to the governor and the people of Adamawa. He said the gesture was unexpected and deeply appreciated, promising to remain committed to mentoring young talents and contributing further to the growth of football in Nigeria. He dedicated the award to the players, technical crew, and millions of supporters who stood by the team throughout their campaign. This recognition from Governor Fintiri follows a similar national gesture by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who hosted the Super Falcons at the State House in Abuja earlier in the week. At the presidential reception, each player received $100,000, while members of the technical crew, including Coach Madugu, were awarded $50,000 and national honours, along with a promise of residential apartments. The governor’s action has been widely praised across social and traditional media as a positive step toward promoting excellence in Nigerian sports. Many have described it as a motivating example for other state governments to follow in supporting local heroes who bring international glory to their home states and the nation at large. As Nigeria prepares for its upcoming international football engagements, including qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA Women’s World Cup, such gestures are expected to boost morale and reinforce the country’s commitment to sustaining its legacy in women’s football.