Yemi Obafemi
The Presidency has defended the cash rewards and national honors presented to the Super Falcons by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, following their historic victory at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
In a post on his X (formerly Twitter) account, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, drew comparisons between the President’s gesture and the ₦150 million grand prize awarded by Multichoice to the winner of the Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) reality show.
Onanuga wrote: “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.”
At a presidential reception held in their honour, President Tinubu conferred the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) on each player and technical crew member.
In addition, the President approved a cash reward of the naira equivalent of $100,000 for each of the 24 players, and $50,000 for each member of the technical team.
Commending the team’s dedication and impact, President Tinubu said: “You have inspired millions, especially young girls who now see proof that their dreams are valid and achievable.
“You have inspired me, too. And it’s great for a nation to have assets that are the hope of today, tomorrow, and the day after. You represent that hope. You ignited that hope. And we will continue to encourage you, the next generation, and other generations after you.”
In a further show of appreciation, the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, announced a donation of ₦10 million to each player and technical crew member on behalf of the 36 state governors.
