Aisha Yesufu Speaks on Soldiers’ Lamentation After Presidential Gifts to D’Tigress, Super Falcons

Political activist Aisha Yesufu has voiced concern over growing discontent among Nigerian soldiers following the federal government’s $100,000 cash gifts to the Super Falcons and D’Tigress basketball team.

In a post shared via social media, Yesufu revealed that several soldiers have privately expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s perceived neglect of their welfare, especially in contrast to the lavish rewards given to the national sports teams.

“I have seen a couple of soldiers complaining about the $100,000 gift awarded to both the female football team and the female basketball team,” Yesufu wrote.

Directing her criticism at National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, she questioned whether any steps had been taken to ensure that President Bola Tinubu, whom she described as having “rigged office to become C-in-C”, had engaged directly with military personnel to address their concerns or boost morale.

“Has Nuhu Ribadu thought it fit to ensure Mr. Tinubu talks to soldiers or meet with soldiers or send a message to soldiers and give them reason not to be disillusioned?” she asked.

Yesufu warned that ignoring the frustrations within the ranks could have dangerous implications for national security, suggesting that prolonged neglect might lead to a loss of motivation or even sabotage from within the armed forces.

“Or are we going to pretend all is well until they lose zeal to fight for the nation or even sabotage it?” she added.

On Monday, President Bola Tinubu pledged $100,000 to each of the 12 D’Tigress players and $50,000 to each member of the technical crew following their victory over Mali to secure a historic fifth consecutive title at the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Championship in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire at the Presidential Reception held at the State House for the team on their return to the country after the team led by coach, Rena Wakama, clinched the title at the Palais des Sports de Treichville after defeating Mali by 78 to 64.

The President also rewarded the Super Falcons with $100,000 and 3-bedroom apartments each for winning the WAFCON. The technical staff will receive $50,000 each. He conferred national honours of the Order of the Niger (OON) on them.

Nigerian soldiers have taken to social media to express their frustration over the attention and gifts given to the athletes. They reminded the President that their jobs involve life-or-death situations and appealed for improved welfare support. The soldiers highlighted that their monthly salaries are below 100,000 Naira, while the athletes received rewards for playing just one month.

“Where did Nigerian soldiers get it wrong? Falcons players just played ball for one month, and the president gave them ₦150 million each with an apartment. Some soldiers are not earning up to ₦100k, some join the military this month and die the next month at the war front. The money senators receive every month is more than what soldiers earn in 35 years of service.”