The financial and honorary rewards given to Nigeria’s Super Falcons by President Bola Tinubu after their historic 2024 WAFCON win have sparked intense public debate, especially after Presidential adviser Bayo Onanuga weighed in.
Taking to social media, Onanuga compared the Falcons’ reward package to the ₦150 million cash prize awarded to the winner of Big Brother Naija, arguing that the President’s gesture celebrated true national excellence. “President Tinubu has rewarded excellence, creativity, hard work, soccer artistry, and the undying Nigerian spirit,” he posted on X (formerly Twitter).
The financial and honorary rewards given to Nigeria’s Super Falcons by President Bola Tinubu after their historic 2024 WAFCON win have sparked intense public debate, especially after Presidential adviser Bayo Onanuga weighed in.
Taking to social media, Onanuga compared the Falcons’ reward package to the ₦150 million cash prize awarded to the winner of Big Brother Naija, arguing that the President’s gesture celebrated true national excellence. “President Tinubu has rewarded excellence, creativity, hard work, soccer artistry, and the undying Nigerian spirit,” he posted on X (formerly Twitter).
This statement, however, triggered a wave of divided reactions from Nigerians online. While some applauded the recognition of national athletes, others questioned both the amount and the messaging around it.
Critics raised concerns over the use of U.S. Dollars for the cash awards, arguing it undermined the local currency. One user wrote, “Why is he gifting them in Dollars? Even wealthier nations reward their athletes in local currency.”
Another user echoed the sentiment: “The Government should stop promoting foreign currency. This sends the wrong message about our economy.”
Others criticized the logic of comparing the Falcons’ reward to BBNaija, noting that one is funded by private sponsors while the other involves public resources. “That comparison doesn’t work,” a user responded. “The Falcons represent Nigeria. BBNaija is entertainment funded by private capital.”
Additional voices joined the discussion, pointing out gaps in the Government’s reward structure. @OyokunyiOkon commented, “Pay the same to our security forces, most especially the police officers.” In another post, he added, “The President should also make a payment for officers in the police forces after retirement.”
@iamchrisani offered a sharp critique, writing, “Let him pay \$1,000 monthly to teachers. Imagine using BBNaija for comparison. Una too dull for this Govt. and APC. How much do you pay teachers and university lecturers?”
@big_orla added a different perspective: “I wonder why people mix talent with a salary earner. Once you’re chosen through your talent, you’re rich automatically, and that’s how it works globally.”
@TundeJamiu5 wrote in support of the team, “These girls are not getting paid monthly. This is an occasional gift. They represent us on the global stage. This is hope for young girls out there.”
Others, like @JoeJeffz, expressed frustration with the broader system: “How much is the salary of a soldier who risks his life every day to secure Nigeria? How much is the retirement package for the armed forces? Keep taking Nigerians as a joke.”
@alaoadeyemi66 offered a reality check: “It will take more than 15 years of service for a professor to earn \$100,000.”
@uguruezine further criticized the spending: “Many professors and consultants will take over 20 years to make that much. Stop wasting public funds.”
Still, there was visible support for the gesture. @olar_titosan wrote, “Thank you jare Uncle Bayo. The President has done really well. He rewarded excellence, hard work, and patriotism—which we should preach to our teeming young Nigerians.”
The rewards included the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger for each player and technical crew member, \$100,000 cash per player, \$50,000 per official, and three-bedroom apartments in Abuja’s Renewed Hope Estate.
Despite the mixed reactions, one thing is clear: the conversation around how Nigeria honours its athletes is far from over — and it’s forcing the public to rethink what recognition should look like in a country facing economic strain but still eager to celebrate 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. President Tinubu has rewarded excellence,… pic.twitter.com/k3KBzHxYsL
— Bayo Onanuga (@aonanuga1956) July 29, 2025