By NAN
The Nigerian Civil Society’s Alliance for Democratic Change (NSCADC) has criticized the recent announcement by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to award substantial cash gifts to members of the Super Falcons team following their triumph at the just-concluded Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
In a statement issued Tuesday in Abuja by the group’s Northern Convener, Amb. Abdul Datti Abdul, the NSCADC described the President’s gesture as extravagant and insensitive, given the prevailing harsh economic realities faced by most Nigerians.
“President Tinubu should have exercised better discretion, considering the dire economic situation in the country.
Lavish cash rewards to 24 players and 11 team officials are tone-deaf to the struggles of hardworking Nigerians—especially civil servants—who continue to endure meagre salaries amidst soaring inflation,” the statement read.
Amb. Abdul further argued that while the players’ victory is commendable, their participation and success in the tournament represent a patriotic duty, and should not be met with what he called “ego-driven financial indulgence.”
“In a nation where millions go to bed hungry due to rising costs, mass unemployment, and systemic hardship, the Presidency could have opted for more modest and symbolic forms of recognition.
Material rewards such as housing or national honors would have been sufficient,” the group said, referring to the reported sum of $100,000 awarded to each player and $50,000 to each official.
The NSCADC urged the Federal Government to redirect such financial resources toward more pressing national needs—such as improved salaries for civil servants, university lecturers, security personnel, and retirees.
They also recommended prioritizing social investment programs that provide support for vulnerable and unemployed Nigerians.
Concluding the statement, the group cautioned that while the Super Falcons deserve commendation, the players—many of whom are young—may not be adequately prepared to manage such large sums of money.
They warned that the sudden influx of wealth could compromise the discipline and long-term development of the athletes, potentially derailing their future performance and career.