Nigeria’s billionaire businessman, Abdul Samad Rabiu has said he will still pay the $500,000 bonus he promised the Super Eagles, even after the team lost to Morocco on penalties in the Nations Cup semi-final.
The chairman of BUA Group had earlier announced that he would reward the Nigerian players with $500,000 if they won the semi-final match. Additional bonuses were also promised for goals scored and for winning the final.
However, the Super Eagles were eliminated after a 4–2 penalty shootout defeat to Morocco, following missed kicks by Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi.
In a Facebook post shortly after the match, Mr Rabiu confirmed that the team would still receive the $500,000 pledge. He praised the players for their commitment and determination, saying they had made the country proud despite the loss.
“You fought with your hearts, gave your all, and showed true courage and determination on the pitch,” he wrote. “Though it wasn’t meant to be this time, you have made every Nigerian proud.”
He added that the payment was in recognition of the team’s hard work, unity and the joy they brought to fans across the country, stressing that effort and spirit mattered as much as results.
The Super Eagles are now set to face Egypt in the third-place match on Saturday.
Abdul Samad Rabiu is one of Africa’s richest individuals and a well-known philanthropist. Forbes estimates his net worth at about $7.6bn as of 2025.
