THE decision by President Bola Tinubu to shower cash rewards and national honours on the Super Falcons following their victory at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) has drawn both praise and criticism, prompting a staunch defence from presidential aide Bayo Onanuga.
News Point Nigeria reports that taking to his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle on Tuesday, Onanuga, who serves as the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the President, defended the move, dismissing claims that the rewards were either excessive or politically motivated.
He sought to contextualise the gesture by comparing it with the ₦150 million prize money awarded to the winner of the popular Big Brother Naija reality TV show.
“When you remember that Multichoice, the organiser of the BBNaija reality show, is offering the winner ₦150 million grand prize, you wonder why some Nigerians are unappreciative of President Tinubu’s rewards to the Super Falcons,” he posted.
“President Tinubu has rewarded excellence, creativity, hard work, soccer artistry, and the undying Nigerian spirit.”
The President’s recognition came during a special reception held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where each player and coach was conferred with the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).
In addition, the President announced a $100,000 cash reward for each player, $50,000 for each technical staff member, and the allocation of three-bedroom apartments in the Renewed Hope Housing Estate in Abuja.
Onanuga’s BBNaija comparison sparked a storm of mixed reactions on social media, with many Nigerians questioning the optics and implications of the President’s gesture.
While some users praised the President for acknowledging the team’s achievement, others voiced concern over the use of foreign currency, the economic timing, and comparisons drawn between state-sponsored national teams and privately funded reality shows.
“Why is he gifting them in dollars? The richest countries in the world won’t ever make such gifting to athletes who collect salaries,” tweeted @Wale_Abdul.
“The Nigerian government should, as a matter of urgency, stop promoting another nation’s currency,” added @Bolanle_Juwon.
Another critic, @Ezekwem_Franklin, wrote:
“I’m not against the gift, but that amount is too much for a country whose citizens are living in abject poverty, infrastructural decay, and insecurity. This wasn’t thoughtful from President Tinubu; it’s not a good way to buy favour.”
Some users also questioned the relevance of invoking Big Brother Naija as a benchmark.
“BBNaija is private money. Falcons played for the country. It’s not the same. The comparison doesn’t work,” tweeted @Official_dharmy.
“Why is it so hard for the government to do the right thing without comparing it to a TV show?” asked @SirDavidBent.
However, several Nigerians rallied behind the President.
“Alhamdulillah Rabil Aalameen for HIS blessings upon us at all times and places. To say the least, I am very impressed with the way Mr. President rewarded the team. Congratulations once again,” tweeted @Ghali_Ismael.
“Let’s be fair, Tinubu’s gesture to the Super Falcons deserves applause. Some presidents ignore sports achievements entirely,” added @IAm_Emma_Eze.
“BBNaija gets private funding. Falcons represent national pride. Both deserve rewards, but one shouldn’t be used to justify the other,” noted @NenyeVibes.
Beyond the social media buzz, the development has ignited broader debates on the value Nigeria places on sports, youth, and culture.
Some have argued that while rewarding excellence is commendable, the optics of handing out large sums in foreign currency amid inflation, unemployment, and rising hardship may not sit well with the public.
Others believe the Falcons’ victory offers a rare moment of national unity and should be celebrated without politicising or comparing it to unrelated events.