Popular social media commentator Daniel Regha has accused President Bola Tinubu's government of misusing public funds after rewarding the Super Falcons with $100,000 each and a three-bedroom flat for winning the 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). Regha questioned the rationale behind the lavish rewards, citing the country's economic struggles and civil servants' difficulties in making ends meet ¹.
Regha's Criticism
Regha expressed his concerns on his X account, stating that the cash gifts would likely come from taxpayers' money or borrowed funds. He emphasized that in a country grappling with poverty, such extravagance is unjustifiable. Regha wrote ²:
"Super Falcons did a good job representing Nigeria, but why is Tinubu’s govt or administration gifting the players $100k each with an added three-bedroom flat? After the entire team is to get 30 percent of the prize money? So the cash gifts will be coming from taxpayers’ money or the one borrowed? For a country that’s crippling with poverty, and where civil servants are struggling to make ends meet, how does this even sit well with anyone? Sorry, but this is a misuse of public funds.”
Mixed Reactions
The reward announcement sparked mixed reactions on social media, with some Nigerians questioning why the payment wasn't made in naira instead of dollars, given the government's efforts to stabilize the local currency. Others commended the President for recognizing the team's achievement ³.
Government's Stance
President Tinubu conferred national honors and cash rewards on the Super Falcons for their WAFCON victory. The reward package included ¹:
- *$100,000*: Each player received this amount as a reward
- *Three-bedroom flat*: Each player was also gifted a three-bedroom flat
- *Technical team*: The technical team received $500,000
The controversy surrounding the reward highlights the need for transparency and accountability in government spending. As the government continues to navigate the country's economic challenges, such gestures are under intense scrutiny ⁴.
