Rivers Angels head coach Tosan Blankson has addressed concerns surrounding the contract status of Super Falcons boss Justin Madugu, noting that despite the absence of a formal contract from the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), Madugu continues to serve as coach after securing the Nations Cup and remains responsible for the team when called upon.
Blankson’s remarks underscore a pragmatic approach to continuity amid administrative ambiguity.
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“Despite not being formally handed a deal by the NFF, he remains the coach after winning the Nations Cup,” Blankson said, defending Madugu’s ongoing role and contribution. He explained that in football, outcomes on the field can be as compelling as paperwork, and that the coach’s victory in the Nations Cup demonstrated capability that warranted sustained trust.
Blankson added that Madugu “continues his work and will take responsibility whenever called upon,” signalling solidarity among domestic coaches and an expectation that the federation should formalise arrangements to provide clarity and stability. He argued that proper contract formalisation is important for planning, morale and accountability, but that the immediate priority is the welfare and preparation of the national team.
The Rivers Angels coach said the situation highlights broader administrative challenges in Nigerian football, where delays in formalising technical appointments can create uncertainty for staff and players. “Contracts matter, but performance matters too. We must align administrative processes with sporting imperatives to avoid disruptions,” Blankson said.
He further called on stakeholders to expedite contractual processes to prevent potential distractions ahead of key fixtures. “When coaches and players are certain about their terms, they can focus on training and results. The federation should act quickly to resolve outstanding formalities,” he said.
Blankson’s comments demonstrate a preference for pragmatic continuity while pressing for administrative improvement. By publicly supporting Madugu’s continued stewardship pending formal paperwork, he has signalled a coaching community keen to defend merit-based positions while still advocating for stronger governance protocols to underpin long-term success
