The presidency has defended President Bola Tinubu’s recent disbursement of cash gifts and conferment of the honour of Office of the Order of Niger (OON) on Super Falcons player and members of the technical crew after their 10th Women African Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title win.
The administration’s response comes amid a wave of mixed reactions from citizens and critics, many of whom questioned President Tinubu’s gesture, deeming it excessive at a time when the government is grappling with substantial national debt.
Responding to critics, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the President merely did what any grateful nation would do to honour excellence and patriotism.
In a post on his verified social media account on Tuesday, Onanuga stated that the president’s gesture celebrated “excellence, creativity, hard work, soccer artistry and the undying Nigerian spirit.”
“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 wrote.
On Monday, Tinubu announced a cash reward of the naira equivalent of $100,000 (N153 million) to each Super Falcons player and $50,000 (₦75.6 million) to each members of the technical crew after their 10th WAFCON title win.
This came days after the Falcons defeated the Atlas Lionesses, Morocco’s women’s national team, in a thrilling 3–2 match at the Rabat Stadium, Morocco, to emerge as WAFCON champions of the year.
While many Nigerians welcomed the President’s gesture as a significant boost for women’s sports and national morale, others raised concerns about its timing and scale, especially given the country’s ongoing economic difficulties.
Onanuga, however, argued that the reward reflects the Tinubu administration’s emphasis on meritocracy and patriotic recognition.
“The President’s action demonstrates his administration’s commitment to celebrating excellence. It also sends a clear message to Nigerian youths that dedication and service to the nation are valued and rewarded,” he said.
