Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has defended the president’s generous cash rewards to the Super Falcons, comparing them to the grand prize offered by the reality show Big Brother Naija, (BBNaija).
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) yesterday, Onanuga argued that the president’s gesture was a well-deserved recognition of excellence and should not attract criticism.
“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. President Tinubu has rewarded excellence, creativity, hard work, soccer artistry and the undying Nigerian spirit”, he wrote.
Recall that on Monday, Tinubu hosted the Super Falcons at the Presidential Villa in Abuja to celebrate their historic 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) triumph in Morocco.
While many Nigerians have celebrated the gesture, some critics argue that such lavish rewards are misplaced given the country’s economic difficulties, soaring inflation, and high unemployment.
Supporters, however, insist that the players’ achievement – winning their 10th continental title – deserves recognition on a scale that matches the global trend of rewarding sports excellence.
The Super Falcons’ latest triumph cements their status as Africa’s most successful women’s football team, with 10 WAFCON titles and a consistent record of World Cup appearances.
