By Chiagoziem Abosi
Edited by Ezennia Uche
Nigeria’s run at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations has taken on fresh momentum and a renewed sense of belief. First came the joy of qualifying for the knockout stages. Then the Super Eagles stormed into the quarter-finals. Now, after a commanding win over Algeria, there is a new spark fueling optimism across the country.
That spark came off the pitch.
Ahead of the semi-final clash, Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, publicly pledged a cash reward to motivate the team. Rabiu announced a USD 500,000 bonus for the Super Eagles if they defeat host nation Morocco, alongside an additional USD 50,000 for every goal scored in that encounter.
The incentives did not stop there. Should Nigeria go on to lift the AFCON trophy, Rabiu pledged a further USD 1 million, with USD 100,000 promised for every goal scored in the final. The announcement, shared via his official social media channels, was widely seen as a strong vote of confidence in the team’s ability to go all the way.
The pledge followed a statement performance in the quarter-finals, where Nigeria dismantled Algeria 2–0 in Marrakech. Second-half goals from Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams sealed the victory and confirmed Nigeria’s place in the semi-finals, triggering celebrations among fans at home and in the diaspora. It was the kind of night that reignited a familiar feeling among supporters — the sense that this could finally be Nigeria’s year.
So far, Nigeria’s unbeaten run at AFCON has reflected a team growing in confidence at the right time. Tactical discipline, collective effort, and moments of individual brilliance have combined to see the Super Eagles overcome tough opposition, restoring belief among fans and pundits alike.
Semi-Final Showdowns and Other Quarter-Final Results
As Nigeria prepare to face Morocco in the semi-finals at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, anticipation is building. Dreams of continental glory are once again being whispered — and loudly debated — among football lovers.
Nigeria, however, are not the only heavyweights left standing.
The quarter-finals concluded with:
• Host nation Morocco securing their semi-final spot with an impressive display in their last-eight fixture.
• Senegal booking a place in the other semi-final after edging past Egypt in a thrilling encounter that kept fans on edge until the final whistle.
• Nigeria, Morocco, Senegal, and Egypt completing the final four, setting the stage for two blockbuster semi-final clashes. (Various sources)
With the semi-finals now confirmed, the path to the final promises drama, intensity, and no shortage of surprises.
What Fans Are Asking Now
Nigeria’s surge into the semi-finals has reignited familiar questions across the country:
• Are the Super Eagles finally back among Africa’s football
• – elite?
• Can this team go all the way and bring the AFCON trophy home?
• Or will this campaign end as another painful near-miss in classic Nigerian football fashion?
Are you optimistic? Do you believe this is Nigeria’s year for continental glory, or do you see another hurdle ahead before the final whistle?
Share your thoughts and join the conversation.
