President Bola Tinubu’s N150 million reward to each member of the Super Falcons for clinching their 10th WAFCON title has sparked a wave of criticism, particularly from retired military and police personnel, who say the gesture highlights years of government neglect toward those who risked their lives for national security.
While many Nigerians celebrated the President’s recognition of the female footballers’ achievement, others—including veterans battling poverty and disability—have described the move as extravagant and misplaced.
“Footballers Earn Millions, Soldiers Die in Silence”
Retired military officers told Hobnob News they were dismayed that the government could disburse N150 million for a two-hour football match, while veterans are paid meagre gratuities and forgotten after years of service.
“How can someone earn N150 million for playing a game for under two hours, while a soldier who gives 35 years to defend the nation receives only a fraction of that?” lamented Lukmon Aderibigbe, a retired corporal who served until 2024.
Aderibigbe recounted a harrowing story of a fellow soldier wounded in battle but abandoned by the state, eventually dying due to poor medical support.
“We’re Treated Like Third-Class Citizens”
Adamu Bashar, who retired eight years ago, described the presidential gift as “a complete waste of scarce resources.”
“Let the government give even N20 million to veterans and see if young people won’t rush to join the military,” he said.
Olumayowa Akogun-Abudu, a Lance Corporal wounded by a suicide bomber, said he received only N2.1 million in gratuity after 13 years of service, describing the experience as degrading.
“I bled on the battlefield and funded my recovery myself. Meanwhile, footballers are showered with apartments and national honours. It’s painful,” he said.
In Yobe State, retired Army Corporal Abdullahi Idris said many veterans live in squalor with monthly pensions below N75,000, and face difficulties accessing healthcare despite contributing to the National Health Insurance Scheme.
“We are treated as third-class citizens. The government prioritises footballers over national heroes,” he said.
Retired Police Officers Echo Sentiment
Police retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) also voiced their anger. Mannir Lawal, a prominent figure among CPS retirees, said the gesture exposed the government’s double standards.
“We were told there was no money, yet N150 million was handed to athletes. What does that say about our sacrifices?” he asked.
Another retired officer, Buba Danjuma, said it was disheartening to watch footballers receive windfalls while police officers live in poverty after decades of service.
“We defended this nation with our lives. Now we can’t afford medication, while others are celebrated for playing 90 minutes,” he said.
Onanuga: “Don’t Mix Emotions with Merit”
Responding to criticisms, Presidential Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, defended the President’s gesture, saying it was a justified recognition of excellence and national pride.
“You cannot link the Super Falcons’ reward with pension matters. They are entirely different issues,” Onanuga told Hobnob News. “The President was proud of the girls and wanted to make a statement with that reward.”
He added that many Nigerians supported the gift, citing praise from sports veterans like Aisha Falode, who described the gesture as historic.
“This is the first time the team is receiving such grand honour from a sitting President. The comeback victory was phenomenal, and it deserved to be celebrated,” he said.
Veterans Demand Justice and Reform
Despite the government’s position, calls for equity and pension reform are growing louder. Many veterans insist they are not asking for luxury but for dignity, recognition, and fair compensation.
“We are not asking for football-level treatment,” said retired Army Captain Yahaya Umar. “We just want our dues. Our children should not suffer. We need educational support and improved pension that reflects today’s economic realities.”
As debates continue, one message is clear: while national sports victories should be celebrated, a country’s true strength lies in how it treats those who bled for its peace.
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