Nigeria’s Women’s National Football Team, the Super Falcons, have refused to accept President Bola Tinubu’s promised $100,000 reward in local currency, insisting on payment in dollars.
Sports analyst Aron Akerejola told Arise TV that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) initially offered to pay the players in Naira at a conversion rate of ₦1,530 to a dollar—a proposal the Falcons flatly rejected.
“The part of the story they are not telling is that these girls were given the money,” Aron explained. “The NFF proposed paying their allowances in Naira at the rate of ₦1,530 to a dollar. The players refused, saying, ‘We don’t live in Nigeria. What will we do with Naira?’”
The NFF was then compelled to forward the funds to the Central Bank of Nigeria for conversion into dollars, causing further delays. “It’s not the fault of the NFF. The government released the money, but the players rejected Naira. That’s why it dragged on,” he added.
Team captain Rasheedat Ajibade confirmed the impasse, stating the squad had yet to receive the reward. “We have not received our money, but hopefully, it will be paid,” she told reporters.
President Tinubu had announced the $100,000 reward, along with national honours and houses, following the Falcons’ Women’s Africa Cup of Nations victory in Morocco.
The players’ refusal to accept Naira has sparked nationwide debate. Critics argue that if the country’s champions reject its currency, it sends a troubling message to citizens struggling with inflation and a weakening exchange rate.
Social media reactions have been divided, with some fans supporting the Falcons’ stance, insisting “dollar is what was promised, dollar must be paid,” while others accused them of being unpatriotic. “If they are representing Nigeria, why despise the Naira?” one critic questioned.
The controversy highlights the growing lack of confidence in Nigeria’s currency, showing that even celebrated athletes are reluctant to accept it, reflecting deeper economic challenges.
