“Journalism Is a Thankless Job”: Podcaster Opens Up as President Rewards Super Falcons Players
- President Bola Tinubu's reward to the Super Falcons after winning their 10th WAFCON title has sparked reactions among Nigerians
- The President and First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, received the team at the presidential villa in Abuja on Monday, July 28
- Sports journalists are divided on the exclusion of the media who cheered the team throughout the tournament in the absence of the supporters' club
CHECK OUT: How to Start Earning with Copywriting in Just 7 Days – Even if You’re a Complete Beginner
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu showered the Super Falcons with a list of gifts after creating history by winning their 10th Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title.
During the presidential hosting of the team, Tinubu conferred the 24 players, technical crew, and backroom staff with the National Honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).
He also announced a cash gift of NGN152 million each for the players and NGN76 million for the backroom staff, including a three-bedroom apartment in Abuja.
Source: Getty Images
How Super Falcons overcame Atlas Lionesses
Nigeria stunned Morocco 3-2 in front of their home fans in the 13th Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final played at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat on Saturday night, July 26.
Atlas Lionesses took the lead in the 12th minute through captain Ghizlaine Chebbak after Halimatu Ayinde misplaced the ball at the edge of the penalty box. Sanaa Msoudy doubled the lead in the 24th minute, compounding the woes of the Super Falcons, per CAF.
In the 64th minute, Nigeria responded with Esther Okoronkwo scoring from the spot after Nouhaila Benzina handled the ball in the penalty box.
Nigeria scored an equaliser in the 71st minute after Esther Okoronkwo dazzled the Moroccan backline, giving youngster Folashade Ijamilusi a superb pass, to beat the goalkeeper..
In the 88th minute, Jennifer Echegini gave Nigeria the deserved win after converting a free kick from Okoronkwo’s to silence the home crowd, per Punch.
Source: Getty Images
Journalists are unsung heroes - Adigun
Nigeria Sports Journalist Olawale Adigun said that President Bola Tinubu not deciding to reward to journalists who covered the WAFCON should not be a public debate.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Legit.ng, Adigun said journalist should not expect reward or praise for doing their jobs. He said:
"President Bola Tinubu rewarded the Super Falcons and the backroom staff with a largesse with journalists not included. That shouldn't court drama as the President has only decided to reward active participants.
"The journalists who went to Morocco to cover this tournament were not sent by the Government of the day; instead, they were sent by private media outfits or went individually.
"Journalists have to remember that they are unsung heroes, salaries are either average or below average. Journalism is a calling and if you're in it to get rewarded or praised by the public or the Government, you're in the wrong job."
Journalists turned into supporters
Legit.ng earlier reported that Nigerian sports journalist Biola Solace-Chukwu explained that the absence of the Nigerian Supporters Club turned her into an emergency cheerleader for the Super Falcons.
Solace-Chukwu said the number of Nigerians in Casablanca was few and had to join some colleagues to motivate the team from the stands.
Source: Legit.ng
