Presidential aide Bayo Onanuga has defended President Bola Tinubu’s generous reward to the victorious Super Falcons, describing it as a well-deserved recognition of excellence, patriotism and hard work.
Mr Onanuga, who serves as special adviser to the President on information and strategy, made the remarks in a post on his X page on Tuesday, reacting to criticism over the $100,000 (in naira equivalent) gift given to each player and $50,000 to each technical crew member following the team’s 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) win.
The Falcons, who clinched their 10th WAFCON title with a thrilling 3–2 victory over Morocco on Saturday, were also awarded national honours and three-bedroom flats by the president during a reception at the Presidential Villa on Monday.
While many Nigerians praised the gesture, some questioned the size of the financial package, especially given the country’s current economic climate.
Onanuga, however, dismissed the criticism as selective outrage, pointing out that reality TV shows like Big Brother Naija offer even bigger monetary prizes without similar public backlash.
“When you remember that Multichoice, the organiser of BBNaija, is offering the winner N150 million, you wonder why some Nigerians are unappreciative of President Tinubu’s rewards to the Super Falcons,” he wrote.
He added that Tinubu’s gesture was not just about football but about honouring “excellence, creativity, hard work, soccer artistry and the undying Nigerian spirit.”
The Super Falcons’ victory was led by captain Rasheedat Ajibade, who was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player.
Other key players include goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, defender Michelle Alozie and forward Esther Okoronkwo.
At the Villa event, President Tinubu also conferred the officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) on all 24 players and 11 coaches.
In a lighthearted moment, he admitted he avoided watching the final live, “I didn’t want to have high blood pressure,” he joked.
Onanuga’s remarks come amid a broader debate about reward systems in Nigeria, with the Falcons’ victory offering an opportunity to reassess how national achievements are celebrated and valued.
