Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, has defended the president’s decision to grant hefty rewards to the Super Falcons after their 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) victory in Morocco, drawing a comparison with the ₦150 million prize of the Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) reality show.
In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, Onanuga argued that the president’s gesture was a justified celebration of excellence and national pride.
“When you remember that Multichoice, the organizer 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.
“President Tinubu has rewarded excellence, creativity, hard work, soccer artistry and the undying Nigerian spirit.”
Tinubu’s reward package
On Monday, President Tinubu hosted the victorious team at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, where he unveiled an extensive reward package:
National Honours: Each of the 23 players was conferred with the title of Member of the Order of the Niger (OON).
Housing gift: Each player will receive a fully furnished three-bedroom bungalow in any part of Nigeria, provided through the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.
Cash rewards: Each player was awarded $100,000 (about ₦153 million), while each member of the 11-man technical team received $50,000 (about ₦76.5 million).
Team officials: Support staff also received financial incentives and commendations.
The entire package for the team and officials is estimated to exceed $3.7 million (over ₦5.6 billion).
Reactions to the gesture
While many Nigerians have applauded the president’s generosity, others criticised the size of the rewards amid widespread economic hardship.
Tinubu, however, lauded the Super Falcons for their resilience and determination, particularly their comeback from two goals down against Morocco. “Your victory is a reflection of the Nigerian spirit — tenacity, courage, and unity,” he said.
The Super Falcons’ victory solidifies their reputation as Africa’s most successful women’s national team, with 10 WAFCON titles and a track record of competing on the global stage.
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