Several Nigerians have taken to social media to criticize President Bola Tinubu for awarding the Super Falcons players $100,000 each and the technical crew $500,000 following their triumph at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
Critics argue that the cash reward, announced in U.S. dollars, contradicts Tinubu’s efforts to stabilize the struggling naira. According to them, the money should have been paid in local currency to reinforce confidence in the naira.
Recall that Tinubu, on Monday, hosted the victorious Super Falcons alongside First Lady Remi Tinubu, where he also conferred national honours on the players.
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Presidential aide Olusegun Dada confirmed the cash gifts via a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating the president’s appreciation for the team’s remarkable performance, including their dramatic comeback win over Morocco in the final.
However, while some citizens applauded the gesture, others condemned the use of foreign currency for the reward.
Oke O. Matarazi expressed concern on X, writing:
“You’re telling us we’re trying to stabilize the naira, yet you hand out $100,000 to footballers and $50,000 to technical staff in dollars? Meanwhile, ordinary citizens and pensioners are struggling with inflation, and manufacturers can’t even get forex to import raw materials. What message are we sending?”
Another user, Ifeanyi Okafor, questioned:
“Why not pay them in naira?”
On the other hand, Femi Yekinni praised the President’s action, calling it a worthy reward.
“Very commendable, Mr. President. A well-merited award and gift for the girls. They made us all proud,” he posted.
As of Monday, the Central Bank of Nigeria pegged the exchange rate at N1,534.21 to the dollar.
