BY MUSA IDRIS UMAR, AUGUST 06, 2025 | 02:14 PM
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s congratulatory message to three Nigerian teenagers who emerged champions at the 2025 TeenEagle Global Competition in London has sparked mixed reactions from Nigerians, especially on social media.
While many lauded the president for acknowledging the exceptional performances of Nafisa Abdullahi Aminu, Rukayya Muhammad Fema, and Hadiza Kashim Kalli, others expressed dissatisfaction with the absence of a tangible reward, especially in light of how athletes are usually treated after international victories.
'When will they be invited for special gifts for the performance they showed the world?' one user asked.
'Oh sorry, they are not athletes!' another quipped, highlighting a perceived double standard.
The girls, who beat participants from over 68 countries in categories including English language proficiency and debate, received praises from the President who described them as a beacon of Nigeria’s bright future.
However, many Nigerians feel more should be done than a statement, particularly in the form of cash or scholarship awards.
'Big grammar without dollar is totally a waste of time,' a user lamented.
'They made their country proud in a universal language, but all they got in return was a statement... also in English,' another commented sarcastically.
Several reactions referenced the common practice of athletes receiving significant monetary rewards, properties, and national honours after global wins.
'Where is their $100k and three-bedroom flat?'
'Just give them dollars, not big grammar.'
The reference to the $100,000 reward given to some Nigerian sports teams in the past became a repeated chorus among critics who argued that intellectual and academic excellence should be equally, if not more, rewarded.
Others, however, pointed out that presidential rewards are often announced separately when honourees are received at the Presidential Villa.
'Those asking why rewards were not mentioned should remember that even the Super Falcons got theirs only when they visited the Villa,' one person noted in defense of the presidency.
Still, a significant portion of the comments had a skeptical tone:
'NELFUND keee una there,' 'So, no intervention in monetary terms?' 'We are watching you carefully from the North.'
As the debate continues, the spotlight remains on whether the three girls will receive further recognition beyond the official press release, and if the government will match its words with action.