The Presidency has responded to criticism over the recent national honours and ₦152 million reward package given to members of the Super Falcons, defending the move as a recognition of excellence and patriotism.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Tinubu, took to his verified X (formerly Twitter) account on Tuesday to defend the decision, drawing a comparison with the ₦150 million prize awarded to the winner of the privately-owned Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) reality show.
“When you remember that Multichoice, the organiser of BBNaija, is offering ₦150 million as a grand prize, you wonder why some Nigerians are unappreciative of President Tinubu’s rewards to the Super Falcons,” Onanuga wrote. “President Tinubu has rewarded excellence, creativity, hard work, soccer artistry, and the undying Nigerian spirit.”
The comments followed the celebration held in Abuja for the Super Falcons after their thrilling 3-2 victory over Morocco in the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final in Rabat. At the event, team captain Rasheedat Ajibade dedicated the win to Nigerian girls, families, and citizens who believe in unity and national pride.
“This title is for every Nigerian girl who dreams to be on this stage,” she said.
President Tinubu honoured each player and technical crew member with the national award of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON), a three-bedroom house, and a $100,000 cash gift. However, the use of U.S. dollars and the perceived lavishness of the rewards have drawn mixed reactions from Nigerians, especially on social media.
Some users questioned the appropriateness of the dollar-denominated gifts. @Wale_Abdul tweeted, “Why is he gifting them in dollars? Even the richest countries wouldn’t do that.” Similarly, @Bolanle_Juwon criticized the promotion of a foreign currency, urging the government to prioritize the naira.
Others expressed concern over priorities, with @Ezekwem_Franklin stating, “This wasn’t thoughtful from President Tinubu. We are facing poverty and insecurity, yet such an amount is being handed out.”
Still, the gesture received praise from several quarters. @Ghali_Ismael commended the recognition, while @IAm_Emma_Eze noted, “Let’s be fair, Tinubu’s gesture to the Super Falcons deserves applause. Some presidents ignore sports achievements entirely.”
Meanwhile, other users questioned the comparison to BBNaija. @Official_dharmy said, “BBNaija is funded by private money. The Falcons played for national glory. The comparison doesn’t work.”
Despite the backlash, the Tinubu administration maintains that the rewards were fitting and meant to inspire patriotism and excellence in Nigerian youth.
