The Presidency has defended President Tinubu’s $100,000 reward to the Super Falcons, describing it as a deserved recognition of excellence, hard work, and national pride.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, made the remarks on his X (formerly Twitter) handle in response to critics questioning the size of the reward given to Nigeria’s 10-time Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) champions.
Onanuga criticised the double standards of Nigerians who celebrated the ₦150 million prize awarded to the winner of the Big Brother Naija reality show while condemning the President’s reward to the Falcons.
“When you remember that Multichoice, the organiser of BBNaija, is offering the winner ₦150 million, you wonder why some Nigerians are unappreciative of President Tinubu’s rewards to the Super Falcons,” he wrote.
He described the President’s gesture as a deliberate move to acknowledge the team’s global impact and embodying of national values.
“President Tinubu has rewarded excellence, creativity, hard work, soccer artistry and the undying Nigerian spirit,” he said.
The Presidency’s comments followed mixed reactions across social media. While some Nigerians hailed the reward as a fitting tribute to the nation’s sporting pride, others questioned whether such funds could have been redirected to other pressing needs.
The Super Falcons, captained by Rasheedat Ajibade, secured their 10th WAFCON title with a 3–2 victory over host nation Morocco, cementing their place as Africa’s most successful women’s football team.
PIAK