Chairman of Nigeria’s BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, has announced that he will proceed with a previously pledged $500,000 cash reward for the Super Eagles, despite the team’s elimination from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Nigeria crashed out of the tournament on Wednesday night after losing 4–2 on penalties to host nation Morocco in a tightly contested semi-final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium. The match ended level after regulation time.
In a statement posted on his official social media account, Rabiu praised the Super Eagles for their courage and commitment, describing their performance as worthy of national recognition.
“You fought with your hearts, gave your all, and showed true courage on the pitch,” Rabiu wrote. “Every Nigerian is proud of you.”
What Rabiu is saying
Rabiu said the financial pledge, first announced earlier in the competition, would be honoured in full as a mark of appreciation for the team’s effort and the unity it inspired among Nigerians at home and abroad.
He stressed that the spirit, passion, and discipline displayed by the players mattered more than the final outcome.
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“Sometimes, even our best efforts don’t bring the outcome we hope for, but the spirit, passion, and unity you displayed are what truly matter,” he said.
“You left everything on the field, and that is worthy of celebration. As a token of appreciation for your remarkable journey and effort, I am still going ahead to fulfil the pledge of $500,000 USD.”
According to him, the gesture recognises the players’ hard work, dedication, and the joy they brought to the nation throughout the tournament.
AFCON semi-final performance
Nigeria entered the semi-final as one of the tournament’s most consistent teams, built on a disciplined defence and swift counter-attacks.
Against Morocco, the Super Eagles held their own in open play but were ultimately undone in the penalty shootout, as the hosts converted four of their spot kicks to advance to the final.
The defeat marked another near miss for Nigeria at the continental level, extending the Super Eagles’ wait for an AFCON title since their last triumph in 2013.
What you should know
Earlier in the tournament, Abdul Samad Rabiu announced a $1.5 million incentive package aimed at motivating the Super Eagles toward a fourth AFCON title.
The package was performance-based: $500,000 for winning the semi-final and reaching the final, and an additional $1 million if Nigeria went on to lift the trophy.
The pledge highlighted the increasing role of private-sector support in Nigerian football, especially amid recurring funding and logistics challenges.
The tournament had earlier been clouded by reports of unrest in the Super Eagles camp over unpaid bonuses and allowances, with players reportedly threatening to boycott training and travel arrangements.
The situation was resolved following intervention by the federal government.
According to Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, President Bola Tinubu approved the Super Eagles’ full AFCON 2025 budget on November 14, 2025, aligning all stakeholders, including the NSC, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), and the players.
