A Nigerian soldier, Adie Paul, has raised concerns over President Bola Tinubu’s decision to lavish gifts, including houses, plots of land, and national honours, on Super Eagles players for their second-place finish in the recent African Cup of Nations, highlighting the lack of similar recognition for soldiers in active duty.
Paul, who sustained a bullet injury while serving in the North East, voiced his frustration on social media, expressing his disappointment with the disparity in recognition between athletes and soldiers.
In response to a tweet praising the rewards given to the football players, Paul shared his perspective, emphasizing his four-plus years of service in the North East battling Boko Haram and the absence of any commendation or medal from the Army or the Nigerian government, despite his sacrifice and injury.
Tinubu’s decision to confer the national honour of Member of the Order of the Niger on every member of the Super Eagles team that secured the silver medal at AFCON has sparked debate and criticism regarding the equitable distribution of recognition and rewards in the country.
