More than a decade after Nigeria’s triumphant victory at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), a promise made by Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, remains unfulfilled. The Super Eagles, led by Stephen Keshi and captained by John Obi Mikel, brought glory to Nigeria by clinching the AFCON trophy in South Africa. Amid the celebrations, Dangote pledged $1 million as a reward for their historic achievement—a promise hailed as a symbol of national pride.
Fast-forward to today, and the players are still waiting. Despite Dangote’s monumental financial growth, including his net worth skyrocketing to $23.9 billion following the operational debut of his $20 billion Dangote Refinery, the pledge has yet to materialize. This situation has raised eyebrows and sparked debates about integrity and accountability in Nigeria’s sports sector.
The unfulfilled promise has highlighted a pattern of unredeemed commitments in the country. Another prominent figure, banker Tony Elumelu, had also pledged $500,000 to the team, but similarly failed to deliver. In contrast, Japanese plastic surgeon Katsuya Takasu showed exemplary generosity by promptly awarding $390,000 to Nigeria’s Olympic football team after their bronze medal win at the Rio 2016 Games.
For the Super Eagles players, including late coach Stephen Keshi, this lingering issue is not just about money—it’s about recognition and respect for their achievements. Social media is abuzz with fans expressing frustration over the situation, questioning the culture of unkept promises within Nigeria.
As Dangote continues to dominate Forbes’ list of Africa’s billionaires and basks in his success, this unfulfilled pledge remains a glaring omission in his legacy. For the Super Eagles players, the wait goes on, leaving many to wonder whether this chapter will ever be closed.
