The recent financial and honorary rewards bestowed upon Nigeria’s victorious Super Falcons by President Bola Tinubu have found a vocal defender in presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga.
In a post on his X handle on Tuesday, Onanuga questioned the criticisms levelled by some Nigerians regarding the commendation package given to the team for their triumph at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
To illustrate his point, Onanuga referenced the significant prize money offered in the popular BBNaija reality television show.
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He noted the disparity in public perception, stating: “When you remember that Multichoice, the organiser 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.”
Onanuga’s commentary comes shortly after Tinubu hosted the Super Falcons at the Presidential Villa on Monday, following their arrival from Morocco.
During the reception, the President announced a cash award of the naira equivalent of $100,000 for each of the 24 players.
Additionally, he revealed that each victorious player would receive a three-bedroom apartment.
Further recognising their historic achievement, Tinubu conferred the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) on all members of the Super Falcons for securing Nigeria’s tenth WAFCON title.
He specifically thanked the team for embodying and reminding Nigerians of the resilient national spirit.
The Super Falcons arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Monday at approximately 2:26 p.m., after a chartered flight from Morocco.
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They were earlier welcomed by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu upon their landing.
The team made history on Saturday by dramatically coming from two goals down to defeat host country Morocco 3-2 in the final, securing their tenth WAFCON trophy in ten appearances.
