BUA Group Chairman, Abdul Samad Rabiu, has reaffirmed his commitment to support Nigeria’s national football team, the Super Eagles, by honoring his $500,000 pledge despite their exit at the semifinal stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Rabiu made it clear that the pledge was not dependent on the team winning the tournament but was instead meant to motivate and appreciate the players for their effort, discipline, and representation of the country on a continental stage. According to him, the Super Eagles displayed resilience and determination throughout the competition, qualities that deserve recognition beyond final results.
The billionaire industrialist emphasized that supporting sports development in Nigeria goes beyond trophies. He noted that financial encouragement from the private sector plays a vital role in boosting players’ morale and strengthening the nation’s sporting future.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles bowed out of AFCON 2025 in the semifinals after a tough contest, ending hopes of lifting the title. However, Rabiu’s decision to fulfill his promise has been widely praised by sports stakeholders and fans, who see it as a strong message of consistency and encouragement for Nigerian athletes.
His gesture adds to ongoing calls for sustained private-sector involvement in sports, particularly football, which remains Nigeria’s most celebrated sport.