President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s announcement of generous rewards for the Super Falcons after their victory at the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) has stirred both praise and controversy across Nigeria.
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To honour the team’s historic win, President Tinubu pledged $100,000 to each player, $50,000 to every member of the coaching and technical crew, a three-bedroom flat for all squad members in the Renewed Hope Estate, and national honours—specifically the Order of the Niger (OON).
While many Nigerians have applauded the President for acknowledging the team’s hard work and national pride, others have raised concerns about the timing and scale of the rewards. Critics point out that the country is facing economic challenges, with reports of some public sector workers yet to receive their salaries—fueling debates about priorities in government spending.
Amid the growing discussions, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, took to social media to defend the decision, describing it as a well-deserved recognition of excellence and a morale booster for Nigerian athletes.
He wrote: “When you remember that Multichoice, the organizer of the BBNaija reality show, is offering the winner a ₦150 million grand prize, you wonder why some Nigerians are unappreciative of President Tinubu’s rewards to the Super Falcons. President Tinubu has rewarded excellence, creativity, hard work, soccer artistry, and the undying Nigerian spirit.”
The Presidency emphasized that the reward was not only about football but also about promoting national pride and encouraging excellence across all sectors of Nigerian life.
