Presidential aide Bayo Onanuga has responded to public criticism over the monetary and national honours conferred on the Super Falcons by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, calling the rewards a “deserved recognition of excellence, patriotism, and hard work.”
The Super Falcons, who clinched their record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title after a thrilling 3–2 win over Morocco on Saturday, were handsomely rewarded at a Presidential reception held on Monday at the State House in Abuja.
President Tinubu awarded each of the 24 players $100,000 (in naira equivalent), while each member of the technical crew received $50,000. Additionally, all recipients were granted three-bedroom apartments and were conferred with Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) honours.
Onanuga: Selective Outrage Over Justified Rewards
Amid online debate regarding the financial implications of the gesture in light of Nigeria’s ongoing economic challenges, Mr Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, dismissed the backlash as “selective outrage.”
Taking to his official X (formerly Twitter) page, he argued that the same critics remain silent when Big Brother Naija awards its winner N150 million, suggesting that true national pride should be celebrated even more than reality TV achievements.
“When you remember that Multichoice, the organiser of BBNaija, is offering the winner N150 million, you wonder why some Nigerians are unappreciative of President Tinubu’s rewards to the Super Falcons,” Onanuga wrote.
He emphasized that the president’s gesture goes beyond sports, stating it was a tribute to “excellence, creativity, hard work, soccer artistry, and the undying Nigerian spirit.”
Tinubu: “I Didn’t Want High Blood Pressure Watching the Final”
President Tinubu, during the event, shared a candid moment about his experience during the final, humorously admitting:
“I didn’t want to have high blood pressure,” referring to why he avoided watching the match live.
The reception celebrated standout players including captain Rasheedat Ajibade (MVP of the tournament), Chiamaka Nnadozie, Michelle Alozie, and Esther Okoronkwo, among others.
A National Conversation on Recognition and Value
While the president’s generosity has received praise from several quarters, it has also sparked wider debate around reward systems in Nigeria, especially when compared to how achievements in education, science, or public service are often treated.
The Super Falcons’ landmark WAFCON victory now provides a unique opportunity to reflect on how national achievements should be celebrated and incentivized, and whether sports might pave the way for redefining national pride.
