Nigerian billionaire and BUA Group chairman, Abdul Samad Rabiu, says he will still pay the Super Eagles the $500,000 incentive he previously promised, even after the national team’s defeat to Morocco in the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Prior to the game, Rabiu had pledged to gift the Nigeria’s national team the money if they defeated Morocco. He also promised to add $50,000 for goal scored by the team.
But surprisingly after the tensed match, the businessman announced in a message shared on X that he would still fulfil the pledge. He praised the team for what he described as courage, unity and maximum effort throughout their AFCON campaign.
Nigeria’s tournament ended on Wednesday night in Rabat after a tense, goalless semi-final that stretched into extra time before Morocco prevailed 4–2 in the penalty shootout at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah. Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou saved two spot-kicks as the hosts booked a place in the final.
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Rabiu urged the players to “keep your heads high,” saying the experience and lessons from the campaign should translate into stronger outcomes in future tournaments.
Nigeria will now turn attention to the third-place playoff against Egypt on Saturday, while Morocco will face Senegal in the final on Sunday.
