Presidency Defends Tinubu’s Super Falcons Rewards, Compares It to BBNaija ₦150m Prize

Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga has defended the national honours and monetary rewards awarded by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the Super Falcons, following their victory at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

In a post shared on his official X account (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, Onanuga responded to criticisms that the president’s gesture was either too extravagant or inadequate. He drew a comparison with the ₦150 million prize awarded to the winner of the reality TV show Big Brother Naija (BBNaija).

“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,” Onanuga wrote.
“President Tinubu has rewarded excellence, creativity, hard work, soccer artistry, and the undying Nigerian spirit.”

The remarks came shortly after President Tinubu hosted the victorious team at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

During the ceremony, each player and member of the coaching crew was conferred with the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON). Additionally, Tinubu announced a cash reward of $100,000 for each player and $50,000 for each member of the technical crew. He also promised three-bedroom apartments for all team members in the Renewed Hope Housing Estate in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

However, Onanuga’s comparison between the team’s rewards and BBNaija’s grand prize stirred mixed reactions on social media, particularly on X.

User @Wale_Abdul questioned the use of foreign currency, writing:

“Why is he gifting them in dollars? The richest countries in the world won’t ever make such gifting to athletes who collect salaries.”

Another user, @Bolanle_Juwon, echoed the sentiment:

“Why dollars and not the equivalent in naira? The Nigerian government should, as a matter of urgency, do away with the line of promoting another nation’s currency.”

@Daroking expressed doubt about the motive behind the gesture:

“Which one is ‘Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu’ for our president’s name? Well, as much as I’m happy for them, everything is politics. We have underpaid soldiers and police who also deserve better.”

@Ezekwem_Franklin offered a broader critique:

“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.”

On the other hand, some Nigerians applauded the president’s gesture.

@Ghali_Ismael wrote:

“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.”

@Official_dharmy disagreed with Onanuga’s comparison:

“BBNaija is private money. Falcons played for the country. It’s not the same. The comparison doesn’t work.”

@SirDavidBent asked:

“Why is it so hard for the government to do the right thing without comparing it to a TV show?”

Meanwhile, @IAm_Emma_Eze supported the move, tweeting:

“Let’s be fair, Tinubu’s gesture to the Super Falcons deserves applause. Some presidents ignore sports achievements entirely.”

@NenyeVibes concluded:

“BBNaija gets private funding. Falcons represent national pride. Both deserve rewards, but one shouldn’t be used to justify the other.”