Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga has justified the cash rewards President Bola Tinubu granted to Nigeria’s Super Falcons following their historic Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) triumph, drawing a comparison with the ₦150 million prize awarded to the winner of Big Brother Naija.
In a post shared via his official X handle on Tuesday, Onanuga criticised those questioning the President’s generosity, stressing that the rewards recognise excellence, patriotism, and talent.
“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.”
On Monday, the President hosted the victorious Super Falcons at the State House in Abuja, where he announced the award of $100,000 (naira equivalent) and a three-bedroom apartment for each of the 24 players. Members of the 11-man technical team were each awarded $50,000 (naira equivalent).
The President also conferred on the team the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) for clinching Nigeria’s 10th WAFCON title.
The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, had earlier received the team, urging them to pursue World Cup glory following their inspirational 3-2 comeback victory over Morocco in Rabat on Saturday.
The Super Falcons arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on a chartered flight around 2:26 p.m. Monday, to a heroic welcome after making history as 10-time champions of the continental tournament.
