The Winning Team: “Coaches Deserve Equal Reward As Players” – Pastor Adeboye
The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has called on the Federal Government to improve the remuneration of football coaches.
His remarks followed the recent triumph of the Super Falcons at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
Adeboye, who commended President Bola Tinubu for rewarding the Super Falcons with cash gifts and houses, said coaches, including Justin Madugu, deserve equal recognition and compensation as the players.
He said the role of coaches is critical, and directly proportional to the success of any sporting team.
The cleric made this call during a sermon titled “The Winning Team” at the monthly thanksgiving service held at RCCG’s national headquarters, Throne of Grace Parish, Ebute-Metta, Lagos on Sunday.
President Tinubu announced a reward of $100,000 for each of the 24 players after their victory in the 2024 WAFCON, and $50,000 for the technical team members.
Adeboye, while appreciating Tinubu for the reward, expressed disbelief that coaches should receive less than players.
“I thank the President for the gift to the Falcons. 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,” Adeboye said.
He further highlighted the value of experience and wisdom coaches bring to the table, saying, “Wisdom is better than strength. You can be strong and still lose.”
Recalling his own experience as a sportsman in the 1960s, the cleric narrated how his coach pushed him and his teammates through rigorous training.
“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. But today, I thank him. He built strength in us. He’d ask me to push a wall as if I wanted to pull it down. A good coach sees your potential and pushes you to be better,” [/b]he said.
Speaking on the life lessons sports can teach, the RCCG general overseer and a former boxer underscored the importance of honouring coaches. He also recounted how he missed out on a scholarship opportunity with his peers due to poor conduct at a formal dinner, stressing the importance of discipline in all areas of life.
He further encouraged the congregation to cultivate a winning mindset, emphasizing on the need to go beyond average, work diligently, and rely on divine help.
[b]“The God factor is key. The race is not always to the swift, nor the battle to the strong—it is to those whom God has shown mercy.”
A Special Assistant to the General Overseer and Pastor in charge of RCCG Region 1, Pastor Oladele Balogun, who spoke to newsmen shortly after the service, advised athletes against using performance-enhancing drugs.
According to him, relying on drugs or artificial enhancements undermines discipline. He urged athletes to seek divine support instead.
“In line with what our father in the Lord advised, athletes should work hard and, most importantly, seek divine support. If you’re caught, you’ll be disqualified. It’s not worth it,” Balogun said.
He also urged Nigerians to seek God, emphasising that spiritual connection and inner strength are essential for overcoming life’s challenges.
“In Nigeria, before you win, you have to fight. And while God has His role to play, we must also do our part. Faith and effort go hand in hand,” he added.
