BUA Cement Owner, Rabiu Fulfills $500,000 Pledge to Super Eagles Despite AFCON 2025 Semifinal Loss
Despite Nigeria’s painful exit from the Africa Cup of Nations, billionaire industrialist Abdul Samad Rabiu has honored his financial pledge to the Super Eagles, reaffirming his support for the team’s effort and spirit.
Rabiu, the founder and chairman of BUA Group, had promised a reward of $500,000 if the team defeated Morocco in the semifinal, along with an additional $50,000 for each goal scored.
Although the match ended goalless after extra time and Nigeria lost 4-2 in the ensuing penalty shootout, Rabiu chose to fulfill the $500,000 commitment regardless of the outcome.
His gesture was widely praised as a show of patriotism and encouragement for the players, who had fought valiantly throughout the tournament.
Rabiu had also pledged a further $1 million if Nigeria went on to win the AFCON title, a prize that now remains unclaimed following the semifinal defeat.
Nonetheless, his decision to honor the initial pledge has been seen as a morale boost for the team ahead of their third-place playoff against Egypt.
The Super Eagles, who managed only two shots in the entire semifinal, their lowest tally in an AFCON match since Opta began tracking the competition in 2010, will now look to salvage pride in their final outing.
