Ballon d’Or, $100,000 cash, honours – Controversy, plaudits for Super Falcons, D’Tigress

President Bola Tinubu this week rewarded players and officials of the Nigerian female basketball team with cash prizes, national honours and property.

Days before that, D’Tigress had clinched their historic fifth consecutive title win at the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Championship.

During a presidential reception, Vice President Kashim Shettima, representing President Bola Tinubu, conferred the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) award on each player and member of the technical crew.

Tinubu also approved $100,000 for each player, and $50,000 for the coach and technical staff. Each awardee will also be allocated one housing unit.

It came barely a week after the Super Falcons got similar rewards.

The president’s gesture has led to mixed reactions – mostly negative, considering the current economic climate in the country.

But Calvin Emeka, the CEO of ACL Sports, feels the arguments need to be balanced.

“I understand the spirit behind the awards,” Emeka tells DAILY POST.

“But in a country with such poverty levels, they are outrageous sums. You can understand if people are upset by it.

“I am happy for the recipients. They deserve every kobo they have gotten.”

On Thursday, the Super Falcons who clinched a record-extending 10th Women’s African Cup of Nations, got a double nomination ahead of the 2025 Ballon d’Or Awards.

Goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie was nominated for the 2025 Women’s Yachine Trophy and will battle Ann-Katrin Berger, Cata Coll, Hannah Hampton, and Daphne van Domselaar for the prize.

Head coach Justine Madugu has been nominated for Women’s Coach of the Year, alongside the likes of Sonia Bompastor, Arthur Elias, Renée Slegers and Sarina Wiegman.

“Nnadozie is simply the best goalkeeper in women’s football at the moment,” Emeka said.

“The only person who can battle Madugu for the gong is Sarina Wiegman of England. She would probably win it but Madugu can’t and shouldn’t finish below second.”

Wiegman led the Three Lionesses as they won back-to-back Euros last month.

In Emeka’s opinion, Tinubu should have used the two presidential receptions to charge those handling sports in Nigeria, so that the country can achieve consistent success.

He added: “I would have loved the president to use the opportunity to charge the sports administrators to bring to him long lasting plans for making victories in sports possible.”

Ballon d’Or, $100,000 cash, honours – Controversy, plaudits for Super Falcons, D’Tigress