The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure that the head coach of Nigeria’s Super Falcons receives the same recognition and reward as the players following their commendable performance in the 2024 Olympic Qualifiers and recent international tournaments.
Pastor Adeboye, a respected global religious leader and passionate supporter of Nigerian sports, made this appeal during a service held at the Redemption Camp as part of the 2025 RCCG Annual Convention. Speaking to a massive congregation of worshippers and in a message that quickly gained traction on social media, he praised the Super Falcons for their courage, discipline, and patriotic spirit — and emphasized that no success story is complete without acknowledging the leadership behind it.
“I want to appeal to our dear President Bola Tinubu. Just as the players are celebrated for their dedication and performance, the coach who prepared and guided them to victory deserves the same reward,” Pastor Adeboye stated.
The Super Falcons, Nigeria’s senior women’s national football team, have consistently proven themselves as giants in African women’s football and have recently captured the hearts of Nigerians yet again with their resilient showing during their Olympic qualification campaign. With a squad full of experienced stars and promising young talents, the team has risen to global recognition.
Pastor Adeboye noted that while players often receive bonuses, houses, national honors, and public commendation, coaches are sometimes overlooked despite their critical role in planning, motivation, tactics, and mentoring.
“A coach is like a shepherd. He prepares, prays, plans, and leads the team through both difficult and victorious moments. Rewarding only the players without the coach is like harvesting fruit without thanking the farmer,” Adeboye explained.
He further encouraged the President to use this opportunity to set a precedent in Nigerian sports, where all contributors to national success — from coaches and technical staff to medics and logistics teams — are equally acknowledged.
Sports analysts have echoed Adeboye’s sentiment, pointing out the key role of Super Falcons’ head coach in transforming the team’s playing style and instilling mental toughness. Despite challenges such as limited funding, travel delays, and organizational setbacks, the coach and backroom staff have remained committed to excellence.
The public appeal has sparked nationwide discussion, with many Nigerians on social media praising Pastor Adeboye for his fairness and foresight. Hashtags like #RewardTheCoach and #SuperFalcons have trended as citizens voice support for greater equity in sports administration.
Meanwhile, the Presidency has yet to issue an official response to the appeal, though sources close to the Ministry of Sports Development hinted that plans are underway to announce comprehensive recognition packages for the Super Falcons, including their coaching crew.
As Nigeria continues to celebrate its sports ambassadors, Pastor Adeboye’s message serves as a powerful reminder that behind every great team is a coach who deserves to stand proudly in the spotlight — not in the shadows.
“Let us encourage our leaders to be just and balanced,” Pastor Adeboye concluded. “May this be a season where every faithful servant of Nigeria — on and off the field — is honored accordingly.”