Sports
AFCON Semi-Final: BUA Boss, Rabiu Gifts Super Eagles $1.5 Million Bonus
Renowned Nigerian billionaire industrialist and Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, has announced hefty cash rewards for the Super Eagles following their emphatic 2-0 triumph over Algeria in the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Rabiu, in a statement posted via his official đť•Ź handle on Saturday, congratulated the team and promised financial incentives tied to their performance in the upcoming matches.
“Congratulations to our Super Eagles players on a brilliant victory against Algeria! You have lifted the spirit of the nation, and we proudly cheer you on as you prepare for the semi-finals,” the business mogul said.
In a move to further motivate the players, Rabiu pledged $500,000 should the Super Eagles defeat hosts Morocco in the semi-final on January 14 in Rabat.
In addition, he offered $50,000 for every goal scored during that game.
And if the team goes all the way to clinch the trophy, he’s promising even more.
“Should you go on to win the final, I further pledge $1,000,000, plus $100,000 for each goal scored in the final,” Rabiu stated.
He wrapped up his message with a patriotic nudge, adding, “Wishing you continued success as you carry Nigeria forward. Keep making Nigeria proud. Proudly Nigerian.”
The Super Eagles earned their semi-final ticket after a solid 2-0 win over Algeria at the Stade de Marrakech. Goals from Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams sealed the victory, keeping Nigeria’s unbeaten streak alive.
The team has now won all five of their matches in the tournament so far — a historic first in AFCON history — scoring 14 goals and conceding only twice.
Having previously lifted the continental crown in 1980, 1994, and 2013, the Super Eagles are gunning for a fourth AFCON title. With their blistering form and increasing support from high-profile Nigerians like Rabiu, the squad appears poised to go the distance.
They will lock horns with Morocco on Wednesday, January 14 at 9pm, at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat — a clash that promises fireworks as the hosts and one of the tournament’s best teams collide.
Oscar Piastri strengthened his bid for a maiden Formula One drivers’ world championship on Saturday by winning the Qatar Grand Prix sprint race, cutting team-mate Lando Norris’ lead to 22 points.
The 24-year-old Australian delivered a composed drive from pole position, finishing 4.951 seconds ahead of Mercedes’ George Russell, with Norris 1.3 seconds adrift in third.
Four-time champion Max Verstappen came fourth for Red Bull, ahead of team-mate Yuki Tsunoda and teenage rookie Kimi Antonelli in the second Mercedes. Both Tsunoda and Antonelli received five-second penalties for exceeding track limits.
Piastri’s victory, his third consecutive sprint win at the Lusail International Circuit, marked his first success since the Dutch Grand Prix on August 31, when he previously led the championship.
“It’s been good so far and everything went smoothly,” said Piastri. “I’m happy so far and now just have to keep it rolling.”
Norris, who could clinch the title on Sunday if results go his way, played down the threat from Verstappen.
“I never saw him,” the Briton said.
“Just George ahead…. I wasn’t looking behind. It felt like a lot of pushing and it will be a tough race tomorrow.”
Piastri credited his return to form to the high-speed, high-grip Lusail circuit, which suited his driving style.
The sprint started with only 16 cars on the grid, as Alpines, Lance Stroll (Aston Martin), and Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) began from the pit lane.
Piastri shot off the line to lead Russell and Norris, while Verstappen jumped Fernando Alonso and Tsunoda to take third.
Despite prior grumbles about his car, Verstappen appeared reborn under the floodlights, pushing to challenge Norris, but the Briton remained untouchable.
All drivers ran on medium compound tyres for the 19-lap sprint, leaving pit stops unnecessary and limiting overtaking opportunities.
After nine laps, Piastri led by 1.7 seconds over Russell, with Norris two seconds further back and Verstappen trailing by a similar margin. The Dutchman admitted to his frustrations:
“I’m constantly jumping, not only bouncing,” he said, echoing concerns from sprint qualifying.
As tyres wore, Piastri maintained control, keeping a two-second advantage over Russell, with the top five positions unchanged until the checkered flag.
Real Madrid manager, Xabi Alonso, says Trent Alexander-Arnold is only just beginning to show his quality at the club following his move from Liverpool, insisting the England international will grow stronger as he adapts to life in Spain.
The 27-year-old, who arrived in the summer after more than 300 appearances for Liverpool, missed several weeks through injury but has now completed Madrid’s last two matches.
Speaking during his pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday’s La Liga clash with Girona, Alonso said the full-back was beginning to settle.
“I think we will see a better Trent,” the coach said according to AFP.
“Without doubt it’s positive after the injury he could do 90 minutes against Elche, 90 against Olympiacos. We need him. It’s his first year and it’s normal to have this adaption period.”
Alexander-Arnold, rotated with veteran Dani Carvajal earlier in the season, struggled at moments in the 2-2 draw against Elche but impressed in Madrid’s thrilling 4-3 win over Olympiacos in Athens.
“He’s starting to feel himself,” Alonso added.
“He is demanding too, he plays at a top, top level. We have to be there for him in this change that is so big for him, but it’s good news.”
The Madrid coach also hailed fellow England star Jude Bellingham, who has been in strong form in recent weeks.
“I have very good communication with Jude, a very good relationship,” Alonso said.
“He’s a top world-class star, but he has this desire to improve, to learn, to be more efficient with the big potential he’s got. I like these players with this curiosity and initiative to ask what we can do better.”
Madrid, who have drawn their last two league games, are seeking to regain momentum against Girona.
Alonso confirmed that Franco Mastantuono, Antonio Rudiger and Eder Militao have all returned from injury and are available for selection, though Raul Asencio remains a doubt.