Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri has rewarded Super Falcons coach, Justin Madugu, with a three-bedroom bungalow and N50 million for his role in leading the national women’s football team to victory at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The Governor hailed Madugu, an indigene of Adamawa, for his incredible contribution to the Falcons’ triumphant campaign at the tournament held in Morocco.
“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 N50m for leading the team into winning the 2024 Women’s African Cup of Nation that took place in Morocco this year,” the governor’s aide, Pius Iliya announced via Facebook post.
The visit is coming days after the team’s return from Morocco and a national reception hosted by President Bola Tinubu in Abuja.
During the event, each player was rewarded with $100,000, while Madugu and other members of the technical crew were honoured with $50,000 cash rewards, national honours, and residential apartments in recognition of their achievement.
The Super Falcons won the WAFCON title after a thrilling 3-2 comeback victory against host nation Morocco in the final, solidifying their status as the most successful women’s football team on the continent.
“You have inspired millions, especially young girls who now see proof that their dreams are valid and achievable.
You have inspired me, too. And it’s great for a nation to have assets that are the hope of today, tomorrow, and the day after. You represent that hope. You ignited that hope. And we will continue to encourage you, the next generation, and other generations after you.
Your victory represents more than a sporting accomplishment. It is a triumph of courage, determination, discipline, and consistency.
Honestly, I didn’t want to watch the match. I didn’t want to have high blood pressure. But people came in and turned my TV on that channel. When it was 2-0, I got very offended and restless.
But I was still watching with the spirit of resilience, determination, and courage. And after that penalty, my strength was lifted, and I believe that of the nation was lifted too.
But you almost made me angrier because your mother (the First Lady) was in the kitchen, nearly abandoning my dinner.
She doesn’t watch the game except when the girls are playing. And at the end of the final whistle, it was joy all over the country,” Tinubu said.
