The Presidency has defended President Bola Tinubu’s $100,000 reward to the Super Falcons, describing it as well-deserved—especially when compared to the N150 million grand prize awarded to the winner of the reality TV show Big Brother Naija.
Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, addressed criticisms over the cash gifts given to Nigeria’s women’s national football team following their recent victory. In a tweet on Tuesday, Onanuga highlighted the contrast between Tinubu’s reward for the Super Falcons and the prize money from Big Brother Naija, suggesting some Nigerians had failed to appreciate the President’s gesture.
He wrote: “Considering that Multichoice, the organizer of BBNaija, offers N150 million to the winner, it’s surprising that some Nigerians are unappreciative of President Tinubu’s rewards to the Super Falcons. The President has recognized excellence, creativity, hard work, soccer artistry, and the enduring Nigerian spirit.”
This defense came amid debate over the lavish rewards presented after the Super Falcons secured their 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title in Morocco on Saturday.
On Monday, President Tinubu welcomed the team to the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where he announced national honors and generous financial incentives. Each player received the Order of the Niger (OON), a three-bedroom apartment, and $100,000 (around N153 million) in cash. The 11-member technical team also received $50,000 (N75.6 million) each for their role in the victory.
Tinubu praised the team’s resilience, particularly their comeback from two goals down against Morocco, calling it “a testament to the Nigerian fighting spirit.”
While the win was widely celebrated, some critics questioned the size of the rewards given Nigeria’s current economic challenges.
The Super Falcons’ latest WAFCON victory marks their 10th title, reinforcing their status as Africa’s most successful women’s national football team.
