President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has strongly defended the rewards given to Nigeria’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations champions, the Super Falcons, after criticism emerged regarding the value of the gifts.
Speaking via his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Tuesday, Onanuga compared the presidential rewards to the ₦150 million grand prize offered to winners of the Big Brother Naija reality show, questioning why some Nigerians were dissatisfied with the government’s gesture.
“When you remember that Multichoice offers ₦150 million to BBNaija winners, you wonder why some Nigerians are unappreciative of President Tinubu’s rewards to the Super Falcons,” Onanuga stated. “The President has rewarded excellence, creativity, hard work, soccer artistry and the undying Nigerian spirit.”
The presidential aide’s comments followed Tinubu’s hosting of the victorious team at Aso Villa earlier on Tuesday, where each player received the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON), a cash reward equivalent to $100,000, and a promised three-bedroom apartment in Abuja’s Renewed Hope Estate. Technical crew members were awarded $50,000 each.
The comparison sparked heated debates on social media, with reactions sharply divided. Some users like @Ghali_Ismael praised the President’s gesture as “impressive,” while others questioned the use of dollar-denominated rewards.
“Why dollars and not naira? The government shouldn’t promote foreign currency,” argued @Bolanle_Juwon. Another user, @Daroking, noted: “Everything is politics. We have underpaid security personnel who deserve better.”
However, supporters like @NenyeVibes countered that national team achievements shouldn’t be compared with privately-funded entertainment prizes. “BBNaija gets private money. Falcons represent national pride. The contexts differ,” the user tweeted.
The controversy highlights ongoing national conversations about appropriate recognition for sporting achievements versus other societal priorities. While some applaud Tinubu for celebrating the Falcons’ historic 10th WAFCON title, others question the economic wisdom of such lavish rewards amid Nigeria’s current challenges.
As the debate continues, the Super Falcons’ victory remains a unifying achievement, with their dramatic 3-2 comeback against hosts Morocco widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s finest sporting moments in recent years. The team is expected to be formally decorated with their national honours in coming weeks.
