Presidential aide Bayo Onanuga has defended the cash and housing gifts awarded to the Super Falcons, citing BBNaija’s ₦150m prize.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga has defended the national honours and cash rewards given to Nigeria’s Super Falcons following their 2024 WAFCON victory.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Onanuga responded to criticism of the rewards by referencing the ₦150 million grand prize awarded to Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) winners.
“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 to the Super Falcons,” he wrote.
Each player received a national honour (OON), $100,000, and a three-bedroom apartment. Coaches were awarded $50,000.
Reactions on social media were mixed, with some praising the gesture and others criticizing the dollar payments and timing amid national hardship.
@Ghali_Ismael tweeted, “I am very impressed with the way Mr. President rewarded the team.” But @SirDavidBent asked, “Why is it so hard for the government to do the right thing without comparing it to a TV show?”