After the Super Eagles’ victory against Algeria, BUA Group chairman Abdul Samad Rabiu announced a reward package of $1.5 million if the team goes on to win the AFCON, plus $50,000 for every semi-final goal and $100,000 for every goal in the final. The announcement quickly went viral and was meant to motivate the players ahead of the remaining matches. However, one response took a critical angle, arguing that such cash promises often change how players behave on the pitch. The comment, “This is our major problem during tournaments… Anytime our players are promised gift, they become selfish and start playing as individuals rather than team,” suggests that personal financial incentives can undermine collective effort. Instead of focusing on team strategy and winning together, players may start chasing goals for their own pockets, which could hurt overall performance. In this context, what was intended as encouragement was seen as a potential distraction that risks weakening teamwork when unity matters most. – Timalt02
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