Bola Tinubu’s government has come under fresh criticism over what Nigerians describe as misplaced priorities after awarding ₦200,000 to a teenage student who won a global English competition while failing to fulfill a $100,000 pledge to the Super Falcons.
Seventeen-year-old Nafisa Abdullahi from Yobe State was presented with ₦200,000 by the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, in Abuja after being named World Best in English at the 2025 TeenEagle Finals in London.
But the token gesture has triggered debate when compared with the government’s unfulfilled $100,000 promise to the women’s national football team, who clinched the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year.
Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade recently confirmed that the players had yet to receive the funds publicly announced by Bola Tinubu’s officials. “We haven’t received their money. Hopefully, they will pay,” she said during a media appearance. “All the promises you hear back and forth, we have not received anything. When they pay it, you will see it in the news.”
The contrast between the government’s token gift to a brilliant teenager and its failure to honor a major commitment to Africa’s most successful women’s football team has drawn sharp condemnation online, with many describing it as another example of insincerity and poor leadership under Bola Tinubu.
Mzaga Saater (@MzagaSK_vision) asked, “Are you kidding me? FG gift an Int’l award winner 200k? Is it because she is Hausa by origin?” Another user, Seun (@sayodabo), argued, “Won’t it be better to offer her scholarships to attend any university of her choice in Nigeria?”
MY RHODA (@Oluwabanke04) compared the treatment to that of athletes: “Why can’t they give her $100,000 just like they did to those athletes?” Moving forward (@Cocosheene) added, “Lol only? If you are rich, they give you big money (footballers). If you are small, they give u small moni.”
Richard Oshogwemoh (@richardomolion) said the move was a missed opportunity: “Why can’t FG give her $100k as they gifted Super Falcons? This is an opportunity for them to change the narrative cos many youths are saying, “Education na scam.”
Others pressed for more substantial recognition. Eedee (@lightskinnedesq) asked, “What happened to Scholarships and endorsements?” while Uncle N (@NonnyBg) mocked, “Make she ask the Super Falcons n Tigress how far. Na for paper even 20k she no go see.”
Some went further, questioning Tinubu’s credibility. Shina Ayomi (@shinaay15533786) wrote, “Okay, you guys expect a certificate forger to value education… Dey play.”
For Ibrahim (@Triiplei), the news was another sign of decay: “Nice one.. Finished country.” And Ab (@YomiOpe) likened it to Nigeria’s usual half-hearted gestures: “Same as the regular handshake syndrome of Nigeria.”
Civil society commentators note that while opposition leaders such as Peter Obi and the Atiku Foundation have consistently invested in education and youth development with scholarships and structured support, Tinubu’s administration appears to reduce recognition of excellence to token cash gifts and broken promises.
The Super Falcons, who have long battled neglect despite their record achievements, say the situation reflects a wider culture of unfulfilled promises in Nigerian sports. As of press time, there has been no official response from the presidency or the Ministry of Sports on the unpaid $100,000.
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