By Akinwale Kasali
“As a token of your remarkable journey and effort, I am still going ahead to fulfill the pledge of $500,000 USD.”
Businessman and founder of BUA, Abdul Samad Rabiu, says he is going ahead with gifting the Super Eagles the sum of $500,000 despite the team’s loss in the semi finals.
In the aftermath of their impressive run, keeping a clean slate, but for this loss, especially, the decisive 4-0 victory against Tunisia in the Quarter Finals, Rabiu had promised the team the sum of $500,000 if they win the Semi Finals against host country, Morocco, plus extra $50,000 for each goal scored. And if they bring home the cup, he doubled the pledge.
But the Super Eagles in the nerve-wrecking semi-finals lost to host Morocco 2-4 in a penalty shoot-out.
But Rabiu in a swift reaction to the loss in a post on his official Instagram page, hailed the players for their courage, determination and unity on the pitch.
“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 wrote.
In consoling them, he noted that atimes, even the best efforts hardly bring the expected results, but emphasised, that the spirit, passion and teamwork which the team displayed are what truly mattered. For that and more, he said the team still deserve the $500,000 he had earlier promised.
His words:
“abdulsamadrabiu_asr 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 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.
“As a token of appreciation for your remarkable journey and effort, I am still going ahead to fulfill the pledge of $500,000 USD. This is in recognition of your hard work, dedication and the joy you have brought to our nation.
“Keep your heads high, Super Eagles – the experience, lessons, and spirit will fuel even greater success next time. Nigeria will always be proud of you, and we believe in your future victories.
#ASR #AbdulSamadRabiu”
The Super Eagles lost 4-2 after a120- minute of pulsating football action between it and the Atlas Lions of Morocco after both teams deadlocked and went into penalty shoot-out in what has been described as the “real final before the final” in the 2025 African Cup Of Nations, AFCON.
Substitute, Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaichi lost their spot kicks, while the Moroccans converted four of their kicks to claim victory.
The game was a cagey affair, as both teams were careful and mindful in their engagement of each other. Their defences were equal to the task, foiling several attacks.
Calvin Bassey was outstanding in the match as he caged Ayooub El Kaabi and Brahim Diaz all through the entire of the match.
There were complains in the officiating as the Centre Referee from Ghana made some very questionable calls in favour of the host.
Despite Moroccans dominance of the match, the Super Eagles defence was outstanding, and gave a good account.
The Nigerian Coach has been criticised, in some quarters, for substituting Victor Osimhen in the dying minutes of the match with Chukwueze who eventually lost his spot kick.
With the loss, the Super Eagles will battle the Pharaohs of Egypt in the third place match slated for Saturday, while the Teranga Lions of Senegal who defeated the Egyptians 1-0, courtesy of a Sadio Mane strike in the 78th minute will face the host, Morocco, on Sunday. It will be Morocco’s first final outing in about 40 years.
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