Presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, has defended the financial reward presented to the Super Falcons by President Bola Tinubu following their historic victory at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.

In a post shared on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Tuesday, Onanuga expressed concern over the criticism trailing the President’s gesture. He questioned why some Nigerians appeared unappreciative, especially when the winner of a reality television show like Big Brother Naija receives as much as ₦150 million in prize money.

“President Tinubu has rewarded excellence, creativity, hard work, soccer artistry and the undying Nigerian spirit,” Onanuga stated, adding that the Super Falcons’ achievement deserved national recognition.

His comments came ahead of the team’s official reception at the Presidential Villa on Monday, where President Tinubu announced a reward of $100,000 converted to its naira equivalent for each of the 24 players. He also promised a three-bedroom apartment for every squad member and conferred on the entire team the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).

President Tinubu praised the team for displaying resilience and for reminding Nigerians of the strength and unity embedded in the national spirit.

The Super Falcons had arrived in Abuja earlier on Monday aboard a chartered flight from Morocco, where they came from two goals down to defeat the host nation 3–2, clinching their record-extending 10th WAFCON title.

Upon arrival at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport around 2:26 p.m., the team was welcomed by government officials and fans, and later received by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.