The gesture sparked mixed reactions online. Critics questioned the use of foreign currency and priorities amidst poverty, while others saw the rewards as deserving.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga has defended President Bola Tinubu’s rewards to the Super Falcons following their 2024 WAFCON victory, citing the ₦150 million prize offered by BBNaija as a comparison. “When you remember that Multichoice… is offering the winner ₦150 million grand prize, you wonder why some Nigerians are unappreciative of President Tinubu’s rewards,” he posted on X.
At a ceremony in Abuja, Tinubu awarded each player and coach the national honour of OON, cash rewards of $100,000 and $50,000 respectively, and a three-bedroom apartment in the Renewed Hope Housing Estate.
The gesture sparked mixed reactions online. Critics questioned the use of foreign currency and priorities amidst poverty, while others saw the rewards as deserving. “I’m not against the gift, but that amount is too much,” said @Ezekwem_Franklin. However, @Ghali_Ismael praised the move, saying, “I am very impressed with the way Mr. President rewarded the team.” Some also argued that comparing BBNaija to national service was misplaced.