In the wake of their victory at the 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), a controversy emerged regarding the reward money for the Super Falcons from President Bola Tinubu's government.
Here are the key details of the story:
The Reward: President Tinubu conferred national honors and cash awards on the Super Falcons for their victory. He directed a cash award of the naira equivalent of $100,000 to each of the 24 players and $50,000 to each member of the technical crew.
Additionally, each player and technical crew member was promised a three-bedroom apartment in the government's Renewed Hope Housing Scheme.
The Controversy: The main point of contention was the government's decision to announce the rewards in United States dollars, even if they were to be paid in the naira equivalent. This action drew criticism from a faction of the Labour Party and other Nigerians, who argued that it showed a lack of faith in the national currency, the naira, which has been experiencing a significant devaluation.
Player's Statement: Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade stated in an interview that the team had not yet received the promised $100,000 or their match bonuses from the tournament. This statement was later contested by the Director General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, who insisted that the players' bonuses had been paid before the final match.
However, he acknowledged that one or two players might have had issues with their accounts.
Reactions: The reward sparked mixed reactions. While some applauded the gesture, others, including retired military and police personnel, criticized it as an extravagant use of scarce resources in a country facing economic hardship.
The government, through a presidential aide, defended the rewards, comparing them to prizes given in reality shows like Big Brother Naija.