"$100K FOR QUEENS, NOTHING FOR KINGS?" NIGERIA'S REWARD CULTURE IN FOCUS

 

The Big News: Public Cheers, Private Wallets

President Bola Tinubu has rolled out the red carpet for women’s sports:

* Super Falcons: Each of the 24 players received $100,000 (₦150 million), Officer of the Order of the Niger honours, and three‑bedroom flats in Abuja. Support staff got $50,000 each.

* D’Tigress, the women's basketball team, followed suit with similar rewards after their AfroBasket wins.

Talk about rewarding excellence—and giving good life while at it!

Meanwhile, At the Table (Tennis Table)

Nigeria's junior table tennis team recently dominated the 2025 ITTF Africa West Regional Championships in Lagos, with stars like Matthew Kuti and Ajoke Ojomu leading a clean sweep of gold medals.

Despite this, no Presidential bonus, no flat, no OON. Just high-fives from fans—very polite, Nigerian-style.

A Smile in the Midst of Glory

Imagine you’re a national hero—you win African gold with paddles and strategy, but when they dish out apartments and dollars, all you get is a pat on the back.

Our sporting reward system seems to treat winning with style differently depending on the sport's visibility. It's like the government said, "If you win with a ball—money. Win with a racket? Here's a selfie."

Are Women Teams the Only Ones in Line?

Yes, recognition for women’s teams is overdue. But what about:

* Super Eagles

* Men's D’Tigers

* Track athletes

* Chess champions

* Golf stars

Do they deserve fairness too—or just future applause?

Omoyele Sowore nailed it:

“Super Falcons trained for one year & played for one month—they get $100,000 each. Police officers retire after 35 years with ₦2 million. That’s unfair!”

Why This Matters

Focus Area | Insight

--- | ---

Fairness | High-profile women rewarded publicly—others ignored.

Long-Term Value | House and cash are one-time; what about infrastructure, leagues, youth programs?

Public Cost | Daily Trust says the Falcons' package could have paid 16,000 doctors or 66,000 teachers for a month.

But We’re Still Proud

Let’s recognize the big boost to women’s sports. These athletes deserve honor, exposure, and investment. But:

* Sports policy should mean more than instant payouts.

* A few champions here and there don’t mean a sustainable system exists.

The Challenge to the Presidency

If the presidency is now in the habit of rewarding African champions with life-changing gifts, then why not:

* Approve bonuses for men's football and basketball winners?

* Fund table tennis heroes in Lagos and across Africa?

* Sponsor grassroots clubs, national leagues, coaching academies?

Otherwise, the applause sounds like a policy feast—big show, no sequel.

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Final Thought

Nigeria deserves to celebrate champions—not just celebrities. And if the leadership is going to open wallets, consistency matters. Elevate every sport that brings us glory, not just the ones in the headlines today.

Long live Nigerian sports—but also fairness, equity, and wise investment.

Engage With Us

Should table tennis stars get bonuses too? Is it fair to reward only women’s teams? Drop your thoughts and tag your favorite unsung champion!

READ: TINUBU HONORS SUPER FALCONS

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