General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has called for improved compensation for sports coaches in Nigeria, emphasising their crucial role in the success of athletes.
The revered cleric made the appeal on Sunday during RCCG’s monthly Thanksgiving Service held at the church’s national headquarters in Ebute-Meta, Lagos.
Speaking on the topic “The Winning Team”, Pastor Adeboye commended President Bola Tinubu for rewarding members of the Super Falcons for winning the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, their 10th continental title.
President Tinubu had announced the naira equivalent of $100,000 for each of the 24 players, a three-bedroom house for each player and $50,000 for the team’s technical crew, including head coach Justin Madugu.
Adeboye, who once trained as a boxer in his youth, expressed joy over the presidential gesture but voiced concern over the disparity in rewards between the players and coaches.
“I thank the President for the gifts to the Falcons. However, I am not quite sure I agree that the coaches should get less than the players,” he said.
“Without coaches, the team will not succeed. But I don’t want to get into controversies. God bless the coaches.”
He underscored the indispensable role of coaches in grooming champions, recalling his own experience as a young boxer in 1960.
“Back in 1960, I had a coach who gave us a tough time. At one point, we confronted him, wondering if we were being trained for the army,” he said.
“But today, I thank him. He built strength in us. A good coach sees your potential and pushes you to be better.”
The 82-year-old cited Revelation 2:17, saying even the Bible recognises the importance of rewarding victors.
He added that during his youth, winning athletes received only a handshake, unlike the multimillion-naira gifts being awarded today.
The Super Falcons’ triumph in Morocco earlier this month was celebrated nationwide as they defeated hosts Morocco 3-2 in a dramatic final.
The victory not only extended Nigeria’s dominance in African women’s football but also secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers.
Pastor Adeboye’s comments come amid growing calls within Nigeria’s sports community for improved treatment and recognition of technical staff across all levels of competition.
