Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, has reaffirmed his commitment to reward Nigeria’s Super Eagles with the promised $500,000 bonus despite their painful semi-final defeat at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Super Eagles’ title quest ended on Wednesday night after a dramatic 4–2 penalty shootout loss to host nation Morocco at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, following a goalless draw after extra time.
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In a message shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Rabiu praised the team’s courage, unity and fighting spirit, describing their performance as one that brought pride to Nigerians at home and abroad.
“You fought with your hearts, gave your all, and showed true courage on the pitch. Every Nigerian is proud of you,” Rabiu wrote.
He stressed that while results can sometimes be cruel, the Super Eagles’ effort and passion throughout the tournament deserved recognition.
“Sometimes our best efforts don’t bring the outcome we desire, but the spirit and unity you displayed truly matter. I am going ahead with the $500,000 pledge in recognition of your hard work, dedication and the joy you brought to our nation,” he added.
Rabiu had initially announced the financial reward after Nigeria’s impressive 2–0 victory over Algeria in the quarter-finals of the competition.
Encouraging the players to remain focused, the BUA chairman expressed confidence that the lessons learned from the tournament would serve as motivation for future success.
“Keep your heads high. This experience will fuel greater victories. Nigeria believes in you,” he concluded.
Despite missing out on a place in the final, the Super Eagles’ AFCON 2025 campaign has continued to draw praise for its resilience and competitive spirit.
