Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, has responded to public criticism over the generous rewards granted to the Super Falcons following their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) victory in Morocco.
Taking to social media on Tuesday, Onanuga defended the President’s actions by drawing a comparison to Nigeria’s popular reality TV show, Big Brother Naija, suggesting that many Nigerians seem to value entertainment rewards more than national achievement.
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“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, creativity, hard work, soccer artistry and the undying Nigerian spirit,” he tweeted.
The comments follow the lavish reception held on Monday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where President Tinubu hosted the championship-winning team.
During the event, he announced national honours and substantial financial incentives for both the players and technical crew.
Each member of the squad was conferred with the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON), awarded a fully furnished three-bedroom home, and given a cash prize of $100,000 (about ₦153 million).
The coaching and support team members also received $50,000 (₦75.6 million) each.
President Tinubu commended the team’s fighting spirit, specifically referencing their dramatic comeback against host nation Morocco.
He described the victory as a symbol of Nigeria’s resilience and determination.
While the gesture has been celebrated by many, others have criticized the scale of the rewards given Nigeria’s current economic difficulties.
Nonetheless, the Super Falcons’ historic win has reaffirmed their position as the continent’s most successful women’s national team, claiming their 10th WAFCON title.
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