As Nigeria prepares for a high-stakes semi-final clash against host nation Morocco, Abdul Samad Rabiu, Chairman and Founder of BUA Group, has raised the stakes with a staggering financial incentive package. Rabiu, Nigeria’s second-wealthiest man, announced the pledges following the Super Eagles’ clinical 2–0 victory over Algeria in the quarter-finals on January 10, 2026.
The Incentive Breakdown
The billionaire’s pledge is structured to reward both victory and offensive performance:
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Semi-Final Victory: $500,000 for winning the match against Morocco.
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Goal Bonus (Semi-Final): $50,000 for every goal scored during the semi-final.
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AFCON Final Victory: $1,000,000 if the team lifts the trophy.
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Goal Bonus (Final): $100,000 for every goal scored in the final match.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Rabiu congratulated the team, stating, “You have lifted the spirit of the nation, and we proudly cheer you on as you prepare for the semi-finals.”
Match Day: Nigeria vs. Morocco
The Super Eagles are currently in Rabat, preparing for what many analysts call the “Final before the Final.”
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Date: Wednesday, January 14, 2026
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Time: 9:00 p.m. (Local Time) / 8:00 p.m. (WAT)
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Venue: Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat
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Current Form: Nigeria is currently unbeaten in the tournament, having scored 14 goals so far—the highest tally of any team in the competition.
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Key Absences: The Super Eagles will be without captain Wilfred Ndidi, who is suspended for the semi-final after accumulating two yellow cards. Raphael Onyedika is expected to fill the gap in midfield.
BUA Group’s Philanthropic Reach
The AFCON pledge is part of a broader pattern of national support from Rabiu. Beyond sports, his Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa) remains a dominant force in Nigerian philanthropy:
| Sector | Recent Impact (Late 2025) |
| Education | Funded a ₦350 million (US$241,379) 500-seat lecture theatre at Adamawa State University. |
| Healthcare | Continued the ₦10 billion healthcare grant program for Nigerian states. |
| Sports | Provided immediate financial relief for the NFF to settle outstanding team bonuses ahead of the quarter-finals. |
The Road to the Final
If Nigeria defeats Morocco, they will face the winner of the Senegal vs. Egypt semi-final in the championship match scheduled for January 18, 2026, in Rabat. With the potential for a total payout exceeding $1.5 million, the financial motivation matches the national hunger for a fourth AFCON title.
