RABIU TO REDEEM $500,000 PLEDGE TO SUPER EAGLES DESPITE AFCON LOSS TO MOROC

RABIU TO REDEEM $500,000 PLEDGE TO SUPER EAGLES DESPITE AFCON LOSS TO MOROCCO
Morocco — January 15, 2026
Abdul Samad Rabiu, the Chairman and Founder of BUA Group, has reaffirmed his commitment to fulfil a pledged reward of $500,000 to the Super Eagles of Nigeria even after their exit from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semifinal. The pledge had originally been tied to their progression in the tournament.
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Rabiu’s statement came hours after Nigeria suffered a heartbreaking 4-2 penalty shootout defeat to host nation Morocco in the AFCON semifinals — a match that ended goalless after extra time before penalties decided the outcome.
Praise for Spirit, Courage & National Pride
In a message shared on his official social media accounts, Rabiu praised the Super Eagles’ performance, highlighting their resilience, unity and unrestricted fight throughout the competition:
“You fought with your hearts, gave your all, and showed true courage and determination on the pitch. Though it wasn’t meant to be this time, you have made every Nigerian proud.
He acknowledged the disappointment of being knocked out before the final but emphasised that the team’s effort, passion and unity deserved celebration and recognition.
$500,000 Reward Pledge Still Intact
Despite the loss, Rabiu reaffirmed his intention to go ahead and honour the $500,000 USD pledge originally announced ahead of the semifinals:
“As a token of appreciation for your remarkable journey and effort, I am still going ahead to fulfil the pledge of $500,000 USD — in recognition of your hard work, dedication, and the joy you have brought to our nation.
The reward, which had been publicly promised as motivation for the team’s run to the AFCON title, will be delivered even though the Super Eagles did not reach the final.
Reaction & Encouragement for the Team’s Future
Rabiu encouraged the players to keep their heads high and use this experience as fuel for future success, stressing that the lessons learned in Morocco should strengthen their resolve for coming competitions.
He noted that while results sometimes disappoint, the pride they brought to Nigerians at home and abroad cannot be underestimated, and that the nation still stands firmly behind the team.
Tournament Outcome & Next Steps
Nigeria’s Super Eagles exited the AFCON 2025 after losing 4–2 on penalties to Morocco in a tough semifinal match.
Morocco advanced to face Senegal in the final, while Nigeria will compete in the third-place playoff, likely against Egypt.
The defeat, although painful for many fans, showcased Nigeria’s competitive spirit throughout the tournament.
Significance of Rabiu’s Gesture

• Celebrating Commitment: Rabiu’s decision to honour the pledge despite the loss is widely seen as a gesture of support and appreciation for the team’s effort and resilience.
• Boosting Morale: The announcement is expected to uplift morale within the squad and amongst fans, reinforcing belief ahead of future tournaments.
• National Unity: Many commentators say the move reflects a broader drive to celebrate and encourage Nigerian talent on the continental stage.