Chijioke Gabriel
In a heartfelt gesture of recognition, Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has gifted the head coach of Nigeria’s Super Falcons, Justin Madugu, a fully furnished three-bedroom bungalow and a cash reward of ₦50 million. This honour comes in celebration of the Falcons’ historic triumph at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The presentation took place at the Government House in Yola and was shared in a Facebook post by the governor’s aide, Pius Iliya. Governor Fintiri commended Madugu, an indigene of Adamawa, for his pivotal role in guiding the national women’s football team to their record-extending 10th WAFCON title.
“Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, on behalf of the Government and people of Adamawa State, has gifted Justine Pwanidi Madugu, Coach of Nigeria’s Super Falcons, a three-bedroom bungalow and a sum of ₦50m for leading the team to victory at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco,” the statement read.
The reward comes just weeks after the Falcons defeated tournament hosts Morocco in a thrilling 3–2 comeback, with goals from Esther Okoronkwo, Folashade Ijamilusi, and Jennifer Echegini. The team finished the competition unbeaten, scoring 10 goals and conceding only three.
Madugu, who masterminded the Falcons’ tactical turnaround in the final, received widespread acclaim for his leadership. He was also honoured nationally alongside the players and technical crew at a presidential reception hosted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Abuja. There, each player received $100,000, while coaching staff, including Madugu, were awarded $50,000, national honours as Officers of the Order of the Niger (OON), and three-bedroom apartments.
Governor Fintiri’s gesture reinforces the pride felt across Adamawa State and the nation at large. It also underscores the growing appreciation for the achievements of women’s football and the coaches behind their success stories.