The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Tuesday defended the reward package given to the Super Falcons following their victory at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
Onanuga, in a post on his X handle, expressed surprise at the criticism from some Nigerians over the presidential rewards, questioning why the gesture was being met with disapproval.
He drew a comparison with the BBNaija reality show, pointing out that its winner receives a N150 million grand prize.
“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,” Onanuga wrote. “President Tinubu has rewarded excellence, creativity, hard work, soccer artistry, and the undying Nigerian spirit.”
Bellnews reported President Bola Tinubu offered each player a cash reward of $100,000 and each coach and support staff member $50,000.
He also conferred the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) on all 24 players and 11 technical crew members.
Additionally, each member of the team will receive a three-bedroom apartment under the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Housing Scheme.