Tinubu’s Super Falcons Rewards Ignite Debate as Presidency Cites BBNaija ₦150m Prize
Published: July 29, 2025 | By Nollywood Center.
President Bola Tinubu’s recent decision to reward the Super Falcons following their triumphant campaign at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) has stirred a nationwide debate and one that transcends sports and delves into politics, economics, and national priorities....
While many Nigerians applauded the move as a fitting recognition of excellence, others questioned the timing, the nature of the rewards, and the rationale provided by the Presidency.....
A Grand Gesture or Political Optics?
At a special ceremony held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, President Tinubu conferred national honours of: Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) on each player and coach of the victorious Super Falcons squad...
In addition to the prestigious national honours, the President announced substantial rewards:
☆ $100,000 cash for each player
☆ $50,000 for each technical staff member
☆ A three-bedroom apartment in the Renewed Hope Housing Estate in Abuja for each team member...
The announcement was swiftly followed by a spirited defence from Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy. In a post on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account, Onanuga pushed back against criticism that the rewards were excessive or politically motivated....
“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....
He further described the gesture as a celebration of “excellence, creativity, hard work, soccer artistry, and the undying Nigerian spirit.”
Social Media Reacts: Mixed Feelings and Heated Opinions
Onanuga’s comparison to the Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) reality show ignited a firestorm on social media. Many Nigerians took to X to share their opinions, some of which are in support and others sharply critical....
Critics Raise Key Questions:
Why foreign currency?
“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.
Economic insensitivity?
“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,” said @Ezekwem_Franklin.
Flawed comparison?
“BBNaija is private money. Falcons played for the country. It’s not the same. The comparison doesn’t work,” argued @Official_dharmy.
“Why is it so hard for the government to do the right thing without comparing it to a TV show?” asked @SirDavidBent.
Supporters Applaud the President:
@Ghali_Ismael tweeted:
“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.”
@IAm_Emma_Eze wrote:
“Let’s be fair, Tinubu’s gesture to the Super Falcons deserves applause. Some presidents ignore sports achievements entirely.”
@NenyeVibes noted:
“BBNaija gets private funding. Falcons represent national pride. Both deserve rewards, but one shouldn’t be used to justify the other.”
A Larger Conversation About Priorities
While the President’s gesture undeniably honours a moment of national pride, it has also sparked a deeper conversation about the value Nigeria places on sports, youth empowerment, and cultural identity....
Critics argue that in a country grappling with inflation, unemployment, and rising hardship, extravagant monetary rewards, especially in foreign currency may be perceived as tone-deaf....
Supporters, on the other hand, maintain that rewarding national heroes fosters morale and unity in a country often divided by politics and hardship.....
Ultimately, the debate reflects a broader public yearning for transparency, thoughtful governance, and genuine celebration of national achievement without politicisation or misplaced comparisons....
What’s your take? Was President Tinubu’s reward a fitting tribute or a political misstep?
Join the conversation in the comments below....
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