“I thank the President for the gift to the Falcons,” Adeboye said, “However, I don’t agree that coaches should receive less than the players.
By Imini Paul
In a powerful intersection of faith, sports, and social advocacy, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), has called for better financial treatment of football coaches, insisting they should not receive less compensation than players.
This appeal came during his sermon titled “The Winning Team” at the RCCG’s monthly Thanksgiving service held at the Throne of Grace Parish, Ebute-Metta, Lagos. The message followed Nigeria’s recent triumph at the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), where the Super Falcons claimed victory and national glory.
Pastor Adeboye applauded President Bola Tinubu’s generous reward of the naira equivalent of $100,000 to each of the 24 players. However, he voiced concern over the noticeable disparity in how coaches, like Justin Madugu, were treated in comparison.
“I thank the President for the gift to the Falcons,” Adeboye said, “However, I don’t agree that coaches should receive less than the players. Without the coaches, the team would not succeed. God bless the coaches, we need them.”
His comments sparked reflection on the role of coaches in building teams and shaping talent. Quoting scripture and personal experience, Adeboye emphasized the importance of wisdom, leadership, and behind-the-scenes dedication. “Wisdom is better than strength,” he noted, stressing that raw ability alone cannot guarantee success.
Drawing from his own youth, Adeboye recalled how his 1960s-era coach pushed him and his teammates through brutal training. At the time, the players questioned the intensity, thinking they were being drilled for military service. “But today, I thank him,” he said. “He built strength in us. A good coach sees your potential and pushes you to be better.”
A former boxer himself, Adeboye used the sermon to highlight the broader life lessons sports offer—discipline, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence. He warned against artificial shortcuts like performance-enhancing drugs, urging athletes to trust in their God-given abilities.
Supporting Adeboye’s remarks, Pastor Oladele Balogun, a senior RCCG leader, advised athletes to avoid substances that undermine their discipline and integrity. “If you’re caught, you’ll be disqualified. It’s not worth it,” he told journalists.
More than just a spiritual message, Adeboye’s advocacy touches on a recurring issue in African sports—underappreciated and underpaid coaching staff. His sermon challenges authorities to honour those who shape success behind the scenes, not just those who celebrate it on the field