Presidency has defended Tinubu’s $150,000 reward to Super Falcons and compared it to BBNaija ₦150m prize.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that the Presidency has responded to criticism over President Bola Tinubu’s $150,000 reward to the victorious Super Falcons, stating that the gesture is both justified and symbolic of national pride especially when viewed against the backdrop of Nigeria’s pop culture incentives like the ₦150 million prize for Big Brother Naija winners.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, took to social media on Tuesday to defend the President’s financial and national honour packages for the team, who recently clinched their record 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title in Morocco.
ALSO: President Appoints Ambassador In Latest Diplomatic Appointments (FULL LIST)
“When you remember that Multichoice, the organizer of BBNaija, offers ₦150 million to its winner, you wonder why some Nigerians are unappreciative of President Tinubu’s rewards to the Super Falcons,” Onanuga tweeted. “The President has rewarded excellence, creativity, hard work, soccer artistry, and the undying Nigerian spirit.”
The comments come amid public debate over whether the multimillion-naira gesture was appropriate in light of the country’s current economic hardships. Critics questioned the scale of the rewards, while others hailed the government’s recognition of women’s football.
During a reception at the Presidential Villa on Monday, President Tinubu personally honoured the team, awarding each player the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON), a three-bedroom apartment, and $100,000 (approximately ₦153 million) in cash.
The 11-member technical crew was also rewarded with $50,000 (₦75.6 million) each.
Praising their performance, Tinubu commended the Falcons’ comeback from a 2-0 deficit to defeat hosts Morocco in the WAFCON final, describing it as a clear reflection of the Nigerian spirit of resilience and determination.
While many Nigerians celebrated the Super Falcons’ achievement solidifying their dominance as the most decorated women’s football team in Africa the scale of the Presidential reward sparked mixed reactions online, with some calling for greater fiscal restraint in governance.
Nevertheless, the Presidency maintains that honouring national heroes, especially in sports, is essential to inspiring patriotism and fostering excellence.
