Tinubu’s Super Falcons Rewards Justified – Presidential Aide Cites BBNaija N150m Prize

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Tinubu’s Super Falcons Rewards Justified – Presidential Aide Cites BBNaija N150m Prize


Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga has defended President Bola Tinubu’s decision to honour and reward Nigeria’s Super Falcons after their triumph at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Reacting to mixed public opinions about the gesture, Onanuga addressed critics via his X (formerly Twitter) account on Tuesday, arguing that Tinubu’s rewards were well-deserved and aligned with how excellence is typically acknowledged.

He compared the gesture to the ₦150 million prize awarded to the winner of the Big Brother Naija reality TV show, saying, “When you realise Multichoice is giving out ₦150 million to the BBNaija winner, it’s surprising that some Nigerians still find fault with the President’s recognition of the Super Falcons. Tinubu simply rewarded talent, hard work, and the resilient Nigerian spirit.”

This response followed President Tinubu’s reception of the team at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where each player and coach received the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON). The President also pledged $100,000 to each player, $50,000 to each coach, and promised them three-bedroom apartments in the Renewed Hope Housing Estate in Abuja.

Onanuga’s comparison, however, stirred controversy online. Some users questioned the use of foreign currency for the rewards.

@Wale_Abdul asked, “Why are the rewards in dollars? Even the world’s wealthiest countries don’t do this.”
@Bolanle_Juwon agreed, saying, “Why not in naira? Promoting another country’s currency is unpatriotic.”
@Daroking took a political angle, stating, “It’s all politics. Meanwhile, our military and police are still underpaid.”
@Ezekwem_Franklin added, “The gesture is insensitive in a country plagued by poverty and insecurity. It feels like an attempt to curry favour.”

Others defended the President’s action.
@Ghali_Ismael praised the move, saying he was impressed by Tinubu’s recognition of the team.
@Official_dharmy noted, “Comparing this with BBNaija is wrong—BBNaija is privately funded; the Falcons played for the nation.”
@SirDavidBent asked, “Why does the government need to compare everything to reality TV to justify actions?”
@IAm_Emma_Eze called the gesture commendable, saying some presidents overlook sports achievements altogether.
@NenyeVibes added, “While both BBNaija and the Falcons deserve rewards, using one to validate the other isn’t necessary.”

The debate reflects a broader divide on national priorities and the symbolism of presidential gestures in challenging economic times.

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