..As Chair. BUA promises S/Eagles $1m and $100,000 per goal if they win AFCON
By Ola Kay
Following Nigeria’s Super Eagles 2-0 victory over Algeria in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final on Saturday, qualifying the team for semi-finals against host country Morocco.
Assessing the outstanding factors that shaped the outcome both coaches expressed their understanding of the overall performance of the two sides.
According to the Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, his team’s victory came with the discipline exhibited by the players , apart from sticking judiciusly to the game plan. Chelle emphasized on the impact of the first goal by Victor Osimhen in the 47th minute.
“That first goal was important. It released the pressure and gave us belief to play our football,” Chelle said. “I am extremely proud of the boys. They were happy, focused, and brave. We worked hard, and my vision is clearly taking shape in this team,” the Super Eagles head coach asserted.
He acknowledged particularly the composure put up by the team in the first half of the game their opponent trying their patience.
Chelle explained that, “For 45 minutes, we stayed calm. I told the players to trust the process. When the moment came, we struck with authority.”
The head coach appreciated Akor Adams’ finish for the number two goal, stating that he proved his capability in front of goal.
He said: “We were ruthless when opportunities came. That is the mentality we want at this level,” emphasizing that the team’s defensive organisation helped in keeping the Algeria’s side from responding.
“Our defence stayed compact and intelligent. We managed the game well and showed maturity,” Chelle stated.
But, ahead of the semi-final against Morocco, Chelle underscored the challenges of facing the hosts in their own home, saying that, “Morocco are strong and playing at home. There will be pressure, but we respect them and believe in ourselves,” assuring that the squad would rest, analyse, and prepare thoroughly for the match.
Team Algeria
On his part Algeria’s head coach Vladimir Petković regarded the Super Eagle’s control during the match.
“Nigeria was better than us and prevented us from playing the way we wanted,” he said, adding that his team lacked the physical strength and individual quality necessary to compete effectively against the opponent.
He noted that his team made attempts to respond in the second half but were unable to convert opportunities to their advantage.
“We tried to improve, but we couldn’t reach the level we wanted going forward,” he stated.
Vladimir Petković said although his team felt disappointed, he encouraged them to maintain a positive outlook despite being edged out of competition.
He said: “The players are devastated, but they performed well throughout the tournament. This competition is over, and we must now look ahead with our heads held high.”
Above all, the Super Eagles head coach Chelle credited the structure and preparation of his team for the outcome, noting that, Players like Iwobi, Lookman, Osimhen, Akor Adams, and Calvin Bassey demonstrate their suitabilities within clearly defined roles. “The bench now offers solutions rather than panic,” he said, adding that that Nigeria’s performance was built on patience, structure, and collective belief rather than individual’s will to outshine others.
The Pinnacle Times can report that the Super Eagles squad will be slugging it out with the host Morocco in the semi-finals at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on Wednesday, in a competition that will most likely produce the AFCON finalists.
Meanwhile, ensure that the Nigeria’s team put up their best performance against Morocco, Nigerian billionaire businessman, Abdul Samad Rabiu, Chairman and Founder of BUA Group, has promised the Super Eagles USD $1 million if they win the 2025 Africa Cup of Nation’s final, in addition to USD $100,000 for each goal scored in the final.
Rabiu, who is Nigeria’s second-wealthiest man with a net worth of $9.8 billion, shared the moment of joy as the Super Eagles claimed victory over Algeria to enter the semi-final. He stated on his X: “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.”
“To encourage you, I pledge USD $500,000 to the players upon winning the semi-final, with an additional USD $50,000 for every goal scored. Should you go on to win the final, I further pledge USD $1,000,000, plus USD $100,000 for each goal scored in the final.”
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