Falcons Celebrate Victory, But $100k Gift Remains Audio Money, a Pipe Dream?”
By Gambo Jagindi
August 15, 2025
Recent concerns have emerged that the Federal Government has yet to redeem the $100,000 pledge to each member of the Super Falcons, Nigeria’s women’s football team, prompting some Nigerians to advise the players not to make any plans with the money until it’s actually paid. Some X users joked that the reward might be audio money to be paid when the players become grandmothers or might never be paid at all, given the country’s track record.
Aluta News reports that President Bola Tinubu’s $100,000 gift to each member of the Super Falcons after their historic win at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). While some Nigerians hail the gesture as a well-deserved recognition of excellence, others criticize the amount, comparing it unfavorably to the plight of police officers and other public servants.
Nigerians commend the president’s gesture, describing it as unprecedented and well-deserved. They argue that the reward will motivate the team to continue delivering outstanding performances.
Others question the wisdom of rewarding footballers with such large sums while police officers and other public servants struggle with poor working conditions and inadequate compensation. Activist Omoyele Sowore criticized the disparity, noting that police officers serve for 35 years but retire with only ₦2 million, no houses, and minimal medical care.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, defended the gesture, comparing it to the ₦150 million grand prize offered to the winner of the Big Brother Naija reality show. He emphasized that President Tinubu’s reward recognizes excellence, creativity, hard work, and national pride.