Billionaire industrialist and Chairman of BUA Group, Abdulsamad Rabiu, on Thursday announced that he will fulfil his $500,000 pledge to the Super Eagles despite the team’s failure to clinch the Africa Cup of Nations title.

Rabiu disclosed this in a message shared on his official Instagram page, where he applauded the Nigerian team for their resilience, courage and fighting spirit throughout the tournament.

He praised the players for giving their all on the pitch, noting that although the desired outcome was not achieved, they had made Nigerians proud with their performance.

“You fought with your hearts, gave your all, and showed true courage and determination on the pitch. Though it wasn’t meant to be this time, you have made every Nigerian proud,” Rabiu wrote.

Reflecting further, the business mogul noted that outcomes do not always reflect effort, stressing that the spirit, passion and unity displayed by the team were what truly mattered.

“Sometimes, even our best efforts don’t bring the outcome we hope for, but the spirit, passion and unity you displayed are what truly matter. You left everything on the field, and that is worthy of celebration,” he added.

As a token of appreciation, Rabiu confirmed that he would still honour the $500,000 reward earlier promised to the team, describing it as recognition of their hard work, dedication and the joy they brought to Nigerians during the tournament.

It was earlier reported that Rabiu had pledged the cash reward to the Super Eagles ahead of the tournament as part of efforts to motivate the team in their quest for continental glory.

The Super Eagles impressed many Nigerians with their run to the latter stages of the competition. Still, they ultimately fell short of lifting the trophy after losing to Morocco in the semi-finals.

Nigeria’s Super Eagles on Wednesday lost 4–2 in a penalty shootout to host nation Morocco at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after a tense 0–0 draw at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.

Rabiu encouraged the players to keep their heads high, expressing confidence that the lessons and experience gained would fuel greater success in future competitions.

Omooba Abimbola Onabanjo has advised that nobody should refer to themselves or others as Awujale elect in the ongoing conversations surrounding the revered Awujale stool. He counseled supporters of all aspirants, including his own, to observe restraint and uphold respect for sacred traditional procedures.

His media team quoted him as saying that no individual should refer to themselves or anybody as Awujale elect because doing so undermines the established selection processes and trivializes the sacred nature of the throne.

He also clarified for the record that he is not Awujale-elect and has never described or presented himself as such.

Omooba Onabanjo expressed deep appreciation for the goodwill endorsements and organic promotions that have continued to trail his name from well-meaning sons and daughters of Ijebuland. He acknowledged that many have supported him out of personal knowledge of who he is, through testimonials from others, or from what they have observed through his foundation.

He also acknowledged that many have in recent days compared him to the Olu of Warri, citing posture, comportment, and youthfulness. He stated that while he appreciates the love and admiration behind such comparisons, it would be better if they stop out of respect for the established throne of Olu of Warri and to avoid unnecessary projections across royal institutions.

He stated that he is humbled and grateful to everyone posting, speaking, or promoting him based on what they know firsthand or through what they have heard or seen. He, however, appealed that nobody should call him Awujale-elect Awujale in waiting or any similar designation.

He emphasized that the Awujale can only emerge through the time-honored process involving selection by the ruling house and approval by the Ogun State Government. No individual or group can announce or confer such status outside these established procedures.

He stressed that this clarification has become necessary so that enthusiasm and excitement do not lead the public to trivialize the revered throne of the Awujale or trample on the sacred position and responsibilities of the kingmakers.

He reminded the public that the responsibility at this time is to pray for the ruling house that God and the ancestors will guide them to make the right choice for the future of Ijebuland.

The statement ended with prayers for the land and its leadership, asking that Ijebuland continue to prosper, that Ogun State may flourish, and that her people may enjoy peace, progress, and unity, along with prayers for wisdom for the Governor as he continues to steer the affairs of the state.

The United States government has delivered critical military supplies to Nigeria in support of the country’s ongoing security operations.

This was disclosed by the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) in a statement posted on its verified X (formerly Twitter) handle on Tuesday, noting that the supplies were handed over to Nigerian authorities in Abuja.

According to the command, the delivery underscores the United States’ continued commitment to strengthening its security partnership with Nigeria.

“U.S. forces delivered critical military supplies to our Nigerian partners in Abuja. This delivery supports Nigeria’s ongoing operations and emphasises our shared security partnership,” AFRICOM said, tagging the United States Mission in Nigeria, @USinNigeria.

The latest support comes amid sustained efforts by Nigeria and its international partners to enhance capacity in addressing security challenges across the country.

In November 2025, the Bola Tinubu-led presidency had appealed to the United States to deploy its military to help Nigeria fight terrorism in some states of the federation.

The spokesperson to the President, Bayo Onanuga, made this appeal while commenting on the decision of the United States to designate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern.”

Following the request on December 25, 2025, an airstrike was conducted in collaboration with Nigerian authorities.

The Federal Government confirmed ongoing security and intelligence cooperation with the United States following the operation, which targeted terrorist positions in the country’s North West.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs added that Nigerian authorities remain engaged in “structured security cooperation with international partners, including the United States of America,” to address terrorism and violent extremism.

The collaboration involves intelligence sharing, strategic coordination, and other forms of support in line with international law, respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty, and shared security commitments.

US Congressman Riley Moore hailed the airstrikes as “a decisive move to protect Christian communities and tackle the ongoing security crisis in the country.”