A Nigerian soldier has stirred online reactions after a video of him voicing deep frustration over the federal government’s reward to the Super Falcons surfaced on social media.
In a raw and emotional monologue, the unnamed officer criticized President Bola Tinubu’s decision to shower millions of naira and luxury apartments on the national women’s football team after their WAFCON triumph in Morocco—while soldiers, who risk their lives daily, remain neglected.
In the viral video, the soldier compared the Super Falcons’ short-term achievement in football to the decades-long sacrifices of military personnel. He argued that the rewards given by Tinubu were disproportionately high when compared to what soldiers receive in their entire careers.
“Person do work for three months, e no even reach a month, president dey sign ₦160 million for each person,” the soldier said, criticizing the cash windfall given to each player.
“All the players are 24 if I’m not mistaken. And all the coaches, they’re collecting ₦80 million,” he added, referencing the number of beneficiaries.
The soldier further highlighted the additional gifts awarded by President Tinubu, including real estate allocations.
“All the players president give each of them three-bedroom flat,” he said in disbelief, emphasizing that even housing—which many soldiers struggle to access—was handed freely to the athletes.
He then made a disturbing comparison between the palatial homes awarded to the Falcons and the dilapidated living conditions endured by soldiers in military barracks.
“House wey soldier dey sleep for barrack, even a senator dog no fit enter that room,” he declared, painting a grim image of the environment reserved for those tasked with protecting the nation.
More painfully, he pointed out how the total amount a soldier earns from recruitment until retirement often doesn’t add up to what each player received in a single day.
“Money wey dey go pay from the very day you join army, till after 35 years when you retire—if you even reach 35 years—e no reach the one wey them pay those girls wey do work of one month,” he said bitterly.
WATCH HIM SPEAK IN CLIP BELOW
The video, while emotionally charged, has resonated with many Nigerians who feel the military remains underappreciated.
While supporters of the Super Falcons have applauded President Tinubu’s gesture as a long-overdue recognition of female athletes, critics argue it exposes a deeper systemic neglect of national security personnel.