Daniel Otera
President Bola Tinubu’s latest reward of $100,000, national honours, and housing to Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, has reignited debate over a growing culture of lavish incentives for elite sports victories at a time when pensioners, civil servants, and public institutions remain under strain.
On Monday, Vice President Kashim Shettima led the reception for the AfroBasket champions at the State House Banquet Hall in Abuja. Each player was named an Officer of the Order of the Niger and handed a promise of $100,000 in cash and a three-bedroom flat in the Renewed Hope Estate. Members of the coaching and technical crew were awarded $50,000 each and the same housing package.
“You’ve not only brought home the title, you’ve reminded the nation what unity, discipline and belief can achieve,” Shettima said. “Each of you will receive $100,000 and a flat in the Renewed Hope Estate.”
Within two weeks, Tinubu’s administration has hosted two high-profile ceremonies celebrating Nigeria’s leading women’s teams. Just last week, the Super Falcons were similarly honoured at the Presidential Villa following their record-setting 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title.
At that event, each of the 24 players and 11 coaching staff received the naira equivalent of $100,000 and $50,000 respectively, along with three-bedroom flats, an identical package later extended to D’Tigress.
The back-to-back receptions have drawn attention not only for their timing but also for what some observers view as a deliberate pattern of public recognition for sports success, particularly in women’s competitions.
While the gestures sparked celebration among athletes and sports enthusiasts, social media was filled with sharply divided opinions over priorities and fairness.
“Super Falcons and D’Tigress in total have received almost $3.1 million, that’s over ₦5 billion, plus lands and houses,” posted @naijahubechoes on X (formerly Twitter). “Your dad, mum or uncle who served Nigeria for 35 years are still chasing ₦2 million pensions. Hmmmm.”
Another user, @AdeyemiGCFR, highlighted tension over unpaid veterans’ entitlements: “Meanwhile, retired Nigerian soldiers blocked the Ministry of Finance in Abuja today over unpaid gratuities.”
Others saw the gesture as an overdue show of appreciation. “The standard has been established. This is good encouragement for all our athletes going forward,” wrote @KenUttih. “AFCON is in December. The @NGSuperEagles have no excuse now.”
@Real_Nstan added, “Is $100,000 our Nigeria currency? Please Tinubu should always say it in naira.”
“Ladies’ moment. Enjoy the moment. Congratulations to them ALL,” posted @Illiasibs.
Rewarding national athletes is not unique to Nigeria. France awarded millions of euros to its FIFA World Cup champions in 2018, while Kenya, Ethiopia, and Ghana have similarly honoured medal-winning athletes.
However, the frequency and scale of Nigeria’s cash-heavy rewards are attracting scrutiny in a fragile economy. Data from the Debt Management Office shows Nigeria’s public debt stood at ₦97.34 trillion by the first quarter of 2025.
With inflation eroding household incomes and budget allocations for health, education, and infrastructure under persistent pressure, some experts warn the policy may be unsustainable.
“Of course, national morale matters, and success should be recognised,” said a Lagos-based economist who declined to be named. “But when pensions go unpaid, hospitals lack basic equipment, and universities are underfunded, it raises questions about sustainability and priorities.”
The Vice President described sports as a tool for unity, youth engagement, and diplomacy.
“Sports is a serious business in this government,” Shettima said. “It touches education, youth employment, diplomacy and national pride.”
While many agree that sporting triumphs deserve recognition, critics contend the government has yet to articulate how one-off gifts align with a longer-term strategy to develop grassroots facilities and address systemic inequalities.