Nigerian billionaire Abdul Samad Rabiu has gone forward with a $500,000 money present to the Tremendous Eagles, even after Nigeria’s nationwide group fell brief towards Morocco, a transfer that has drawn large consideration for its timing and tone.
In a press release shared on Instagram, Rabiu praised the gamers for his or her effort and composure, saying the outcome didn’t erase what the group represented to Nigerians at house and overseas. He described their efficiency as one marked by resolve and dedication, including that the delight they impressed mattered past the ultimate scoreline.
“To our courageous Tremendous Eagles,” Rabiu wrote, “you fought together with your hearts, gave your all, and confirmed true braveness and dedication on the pitch. Although it wasn’t meant to be this time, you will have made each Nigerian proud.” He mentioned the group’s show of unity and energy deserved recognition, even and not using a win.
Rabiu mentioned he would nonetheless honor the $500,000 pledge he made earlier within the event, framing the fee as a gesture of appreciation for the gamers’ work and the elevate they gave to nationwide morale. “Generally, even our greatest efforts don’t convey the end result we hope for,” he mentioned, including that the group’s dedication and angle had been “worthy of celebration.”
The fee comes simply days after Rabiu, whose internet value is estimated at $9.8 billion by Forbes, publicly introduced a performance-based incentive package deal for the Tremendous Eagles following their quarterfinal victory over Algeria. That win sparked nationwide celebrations and renewed optimism across the group’s probabilities within the competitors.
In a put up on X on the time, Rabiu mentioned he would reward the gamers with $500,000 for a semifinal win, together with an additional $50,000 for each purpose scored in that match. He added that the rewards would improve if Nigeria superior to the ultimate, pledging an extra $1 million for a championship victory, plus $100,000 for every purpose scored within the ultimate.
Taken collectively, the bottom commitments amounted to $1.5 million, excluding any goal-related bonuses. Rabiu described the incentives as encouragement for a group that had lifted spirits throughout a tough interval for a lot of Nigerians.
Rabiu, founding father of BUA Group, constructed his fortune by means of companies spanning cement, sugar and meals processing. In recent times, he has turn into an more and more seen supporter of sports activities and social causes, typically linking personal contributions to moments of shared nationwide curiosity.
