The Presidency has defended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to award cash prizes and national honours to members of the Super Falcons following their historic victory at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), amid mixed reactions from the public.

In a statement shared via his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the President’s gesture was an appropriate response from a grateful nation. “President Tinubu’s gesture was a celebration of excellence, creativity, hard work, soccer artistry and the undying Nigerian spirit,” he wrote.

Onanuga also drew a comparison with entertainment rewards in Nigeria, pointing out that the winner of the Big Brother Naija reality show is set to receive ₦150 million. “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,” he stated.

President Tinubu had on Monday announced a monetary reward of $100,000 (approximately ₦153 million) for each player and $50,000 (₦75.6 million) for each member of the coaching crew. The total package amounts to ₦4.5 billion. In addition to the cash awards, each team member received a national honour — Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) — and was allocated a three-bedroom apartment.

The announcement followed the Falcons’ dramatic 3–2 win over Morocco in Rabat, which earned Nigeria a record-extending 10th WAFCON title.

While the President’s move was widely praised by fans and supporters of women’s football, some Nigerians questioned the scale of the spending, citing ongoing economic difficulties in the country.

Responding to the criticism, Onanuga emphasized that the reward demonstrates the administration’s commitment to celebrating merit and motivating excellence. “The President’s action is symbolic of his administration’s vision to honour those who bring glory to the nation,” he said.