Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu, chairman of BUA Group, has said his earlier pledge of $500,000 to Nigeria’s Super Eagles will still be honoured despite the team’s 4–2 penalty shoot-out loss to hosts Morocco in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 semi-final in Rabat.
Rabiu described the players’ performance as courageous and worthy of national praise, emphasising that results do not always reflect effort.
The Super Eagles secured their place in the AFCON 2025 semi-final after a 2–0 victory over Algeria in the quarter-final, fuelling optimism among Nigerian fans that the team could reach the final for the first time in more than a decade.
Ahead of the semi-final, Rabiu had pledged a $500,000 reward if the team defeated Morocco, with additional performance-linked bonuses tied to goals and progression in the tournament.
Nigeria’s campaign, however, ended in disappointment on January 14, 2026, when the Super Eagles drew goalless with Morocco after extra time and subsequently lost 4–2 in a penalty shoot-out, halting their quest for continental silverware. Despite the exit, national discourse praised the team’s tactical discipline and fighting spirit.
Rabiu took to social media to reiterate his commitment to the reward, saying the pledge “still stands” as recognition of the team’s courage, unity and determination on the pitch.
He highlighted that the Super Eagles had “fought with their hearts” and made every Nigerian proud, urging the players to keep their heads high despite the outcome.
Originally, the incentive package put forward by the business leader included $500,000 for a semi-final win, $50,000 for each goal scored, and even larger bonuses should Nigeria have gone on to clinch the AFCON title.
Rabiu’s broader pledge also encompassed a potential $1 million reward for winning the final and additional goal-based bonuses.
Rabiu’s reaffirmation of the reward despite the loss has been widely welcomed by football fans and stakeholders, reflecting the role of private sector support in bolstering national team morale and engagement.
In urban Nigerian communities where football culture is deeply embedded, such gestures can help maintain positive momentum around the sport and inspire players and supporters alike.
The announcement also highlights a growing trend of corporate patronage in Nigerian sports, where business leaders leverage financial incentives to encourage performance and national pride.
This kind of backing can have broader implications for the commercialisation of football in Nigeria, potentially attracting sponsorship, investment, and youth development interest in the domestic game.
With his reaffirmed pledge, Abdul Samad Rabiu has underscored a message of appreciation for the Super Eagles’ AFCON 2025 journey, recognising the team’s efforts regardless of the result on the field.
As Nigeria looks ahead to future tournaments and competitive fixtures, such high-profile support could play an influential role in shaping morale, fan engagement, and long-term investment in the national team’s development.
