PRESIDENT Bola Ahmed Tinubu has hailed the Super Eagles following their emphatic 2–0 victory over Algeria in the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), as Nigeria’s private sector also rallied behind the team with massive financial incentives ahead of the semi-finals.
News Point Nigeria Sports reports that the Super Eagles secured a place in the last four of the tournament with a commanding display at the Grand Stade de Marrakech on Saturday, overpowering a highly rated Algerian side that had conceded just one goal prior to the encounter.
Reacting shortly after the final whistle, President Tinubu took to his official X account to commend the team’s performance, describing it as inspiring and worthy of national pride.
“Brilliant performance… inspiring. Go, Super Eagles! You have the support of all Nigerians,” the President wrote, using the hashtags #Naija4TheWin and #AFCON2025.
After a tightly contested first half ended goalless, Nigeria broke the deadlock two minutes after the restart. Victor Osimhen rose highest to head home a pinpoint cross from Bruno Onyemaechi in the 47th minute, sending Nigerian supporters into celebration.
Just ten minutes later, the Super Eagles doubled their advantage as Akor Adams finished clinically following a swift attacking move initiated by Alex Iwobi and capped with a precise assist from Osimhen.
Nigeria dominated proceedings throughout the match, pressing aggressively and creating multiple scoring chances, while Algeria failed to register a single shot on target. Late introductions, including Moses Simon, helped the Eagles control the tempo and comfortably see out the game.
Speaking after the match, Osimhen expressed gratitude to Nigerian fans across the world and reaffirmed the team’s determination to push for the title.
“Hello to the Super Eagles fans. Thank you so much for your support worldwide,” he said.
“This victory was not easy, and I’m happy that the team got the win against Algeria. We will continue to build on this momentum and hopefully get to the final and win it.”
The victory has set up a high-profile semi-final clash between Nigeria and tournament hosts Morocco, a fixture widely regarded as one of the most anticipated matches of the competition.
As celebrations continued, Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, announced substantial financial incentives for the Super Eagles, further boosting morale ahead of the decisive stages of the tournament.
In a statement posted on his official Facebook and X accounts, Rabiu congratulated the team for what he described as a performance that “lifted the spirit of the nation,” pledging $500,000 to the squad if they defeat Morocco in the semi-finals, along with an additional $50,000 for every goal scored in that match.
He also promised a $1 million reward should Nigeria go on to win the final, with a further $100,000 bonus for each goal scored in the championship match.
Rabiu praised the players for their discipline, intensity, and belief, urging them to continue carrying the nation forward as they pursue continental glory. He said the incentives were meant to encourage the squad as they prepare for the high-pressure encounters ahead.
President Tinubu’s praise adds to his consistent show of support for Nigeria’s national teams. The President had earlier fulfilled rewards pledged to the Super Eagles following the 2023 AFCON campaign and strongly backed Nigeria’s participation in the 2025 tournament.
Similarly, after the Super Falcons’ triumph at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, Tinubu, in July 2025, announced national honours (OON), three-bedroom apartments in Abuja, and cash rewards of $100,000 each for players and $50,000 each for technical crew members.
With confidence soaring, attacking firepower clicking, and both government and private-sector backing firmly in place, the Super Eagles appear well-positioned to mount a serious challenge for a fourth AFCON title, having previously lifted the trophy in 1980, 1994, and 2013.
As Nigeria marches into the semi-finals, expectations at home continue to rise, with the nation united behind a team chasing continental glory and historic rewards.