Nigeria’s Super Eagles may have fallen just short of a place in the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, but their campaign has been met with a significant gesture of support from one of the country’s leading businessmen, Soccernet.ng reports.
Billionaire industrialist and BUA Group chairman, Abdulsamad Rabiu, has confirmed that he will go ahead with the $500,000 (about ₦700 million) reward he promised the team, despite their semi-final defeat to hosts Morocco.
The Super Eagles lost 4-2 on penalties after forcing the hosts to a goalless draw in front of a capacity crowd inside the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
However, Rabiu chose to focus not on the disappointment of elimination. Rather the businessman praised what he described as the character, resilience and unity shown by the Nigerian players throughout the competition.
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What Abdulsamad Rabiu told the Super Eagles
In a statement released on Wednesday night after the pulsating encounter, the BUA Group chairman wrote:
“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.”
14 Jan. 2026
To our brave Super Eagles,
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.
Sometimes, even our best efforts don’t bring the outcome… pic.twitter.com/L5kgaDxc56
— Abdul Samad Rabiu CFR, CON (@asr_rabiu) January 14, 2026
He added that football, like life, does not always reward effort with immediate success, stressing that the commitment and togetherness displayed by the squad were just as important as silverware.
“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. You left everything on the field, and that is worthy of celebration,” he said.
The businessman confirmed that the $500,000 incentive, pledged before the semifinal clash as a motivational boost, would still be paid in full as recognition of the team’s hard work and the excitement they gave to Nigerians during the AFCON campaign.
Nigeria’s journey in the competition ended in painful fashion on Wednesday night, when they were beaten 4–2 on penalties by Morocco after a tense and goalless 120 minutes at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. It was a narrow and emotionally draining exit, but one that still left many supporters proud of the team’s overall showing.
The Super Eagles are now set to face Egypt in the third-place match, while Morocco will meet Senegal in Sunday’s final.
Rabiu urged the players to keep their heads high, expressing confidence that the experience gained from this tournament would serve as a foundation for greater achievements in the future.
Nigeria, three-time African champions, have not lifted the AFCON trophy since 2013, when the late Stephen Keshi guided the team to continental glory.