Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), has publicly commended the Nigerian Federal Government’s gesture of rewarding the Super Falcons, the nation’s female football team, for their victory at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). President Bola Tinubu had conferred national honors on each of the 24 players and the 11-member technical team, including the Officer of the Order of the Niger title, a three-bedroom apartment, and a cash award of $100,000 (naira equivalent) for the players and $50,000 for each member of the technical team. While expressing gratitude for this recognition, Pastor Adeboye, during a Sunday sermon titled “The Winning Team,” advocated for equal financial rewards for the coaching staff, highlighting their crucial role in the team’s success. He argued that without the guidance and expertise of the coaches, the players would not have achieved such a feat.
The esteemed cleric drew a parallel between his advocacy and a personal experience from his younger days. Recounting an anecdote from the 1960s, Pastor Adeboye recalled his time as a boxer and the rigorous training he underwent under a demanding coach. Although initially questioning the intensity of the training regime, he eventually recognized its value in building strength and resilience. This personal narrative underscored his belief in the transformative power of coaching and the need to adequately recognize and reward those who dedicate themselves to nurturing talent and fostering success. He emphasized that a good coach identifies the potential within individuals and pushes them beyond their perceived limitations.
Pastor Adeboye’s sermon emphasized the importance of teamwork, drawing parallels between the dynamics of a sports team and the collaborative efforts required in various aspects of life. He highlighted the crucial roles played by different individuals within a team, emphasizing that each member contributes uniquely to the collective success. The coach, in this analogy, serves as the architect of the team’s strategy, guiding and motivating the players to achieve their full potential. The players, on the other hand, execute the strategy with their skills and dedication, bringing the coach’s vision to life. This symbiotic relationship, he argued, is essential for achieving victory.
Drawing a further analogy to broader societal contexts, Pastor Adeboye extended his argument to encompass the recognition of mentors, teachers, and leaders who play pivotal roles in shaping individuals and communities. He emphasized that these individuals, much like coaches, invest their time, knowledge, and expertise in nurturing the potential of others. Their contributions often go unnoticed or undervalued, despite the significant impact they have on the growth and development of those under their tutelage. He called for a shift in perspective, urging society to acknowledge and appreciate the invaluable contributions of these “behind-the-scenes” architects of success.
Furthermore, Pastor Adeboye’s message emphasized the importance of investing in human capital. He argued that adequate remuneration and recognition for coaches and other mentors not only acknowledges their present contributions but also incentivizes future generations to pursue careers in coaching and mentorship. By creating a conducive environment that values and rewards the development of human potential, society can foster a culture of excellence and continuous improvement. This, in turn, can lead to greater achievements in various fields, from sports and academics to business and governance.
In conclusion, Pastor Adeboye’s message resonated beyond the realm of sports, extending to a broader call for recognizing and rewarding the contributions of those who invest in developing human potential. He used the Super Falcons’ victory and the government’s recognition of their achievement as a springboard to advocate for a more equitable distribution of rewards, ensuring that those who guide and mentor are not overlooked. By emphasizing the importance of coaching and mentorship, he highlighted the need for a societal shift that values and celebrates the architects of success, regardless of their field of endeavor. His personal anecdote about his boxing coach added a touch of personal experience to his message, making it relatable and impactful for his audience.
