From Afrobeats superstar Davido’s $50,000 stake to TikTok sensation Peller’s $3,000 bet, Nigerian entertainment figures publicly backed the Super Eagles against Morocco, only to watch their predictions crumble alongside the team’s AFCON aspirations in Rabat on Wednesday, PETER AKINBO writes
The Super Eagles’ penalty shootout exit from the African Cup of Nations semi-final not only ended Nigeria’s continental title dreams but also left several counting significant financial losses after unsuccessful wagers on the national team.
Davido
Afrobeats star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, lost a $50,000 wager after backing Nigeria to defeat hosts Morocco in the AFCON semi-final clash at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
Hours before kickoff, the ‘Timeless’ crooner shared his betting slip on social media, confidently predicting a Nigerian victory. Had the Super Eagles progressed, the international superstar would have won an estimated payout of $348,274.07, approximately N495 million at current exchange rates.
The match ended goalless after 120 minutes before Morocco won 4-2 on penalties, with goalkeeper Yassine Bounou stopping crucial kicks from Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi to send the Atlas Lions into the final.
Despite the financial blow, Davido appeared unbothered, posting a photo of himself enjoying a luxury grilled fish meal shortly after the defeat. He later shared updates showing he had left Morocco aboard his private jet, skipping the third-place playoff.
This was not Davido’s first high-stakes bet on the Super Eagles during the tournament. The multiple award-winning sensation had previously won big in Nigeria’s opening group match against Tanzania, where he staked $25,000 predicting both teams would score and Nigeria would win. The 2-1 result earned him approximately $96,564, about N140m.
However, before the AFCON tournament, Davido had lost a $10,000 bet during Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup qualifier against Gabon, where he predicted a Nigerian victory with both teams scoring. Nigeria won that match 4-1 after extra time, but the game ended 1-1 in regulation time, cancelling his reward.
Peller
Popular Nigerian TikToker Habeeb Hamzat Adelaja, known as Peller, also counted his losses after the Morocco defeat, having staked $3,000 on Nigeria to win within 90 minutes.
The 21-year-old was expecting to win $10,000 from his bet, but the goalless draw and subsequent penalty loss dashed those hopes.
Speaking during a livestream on Wednesday night, Peller sarcastically thanked the Super Eagles while lamenting his financial loss.
“Thank you, Super Eagles, for playing very well,” he said.
“I have lost my $3,000 bet. You guys were playing well in the previous games before I decided to place a bet and watch your match. Maybe, if I stop watching your games, you will start playing well again.”
Joeboy
Afrobeats star Joseph Akinfenwa, professionally known as Joeboy, staked N5m on the Super Eagles to defeat their North African opponents.
The singer joined millions of Nigerians who wagered on various betting platforms, tipping Nigeria to progress based on the team’s performance, doggedness, composure and unity throughout the tournament. The result rendered him among those who lost huge sums on the night.
Kunle Remi
Nollywood actor Kunle Remi revealed a more personal wager, having made a bet with his wife ahead of the semi-final clash.
According to the actor, the stakes were domestic rather than financial. If Nigeria won, he would do nothing in the house until the next AFCON, but if Morocco won, he would live and sleep in the kitchen.
Following the Super Eagles’ defeat, Remi took to Instagram to announce his new living arrangements with humour.
“The bet was simple. If Nigeria wins, I do nothing in the house till the next AFCON. And if Morocco wins, I will live and sleep in the kitchen. Oh well. Say hi to my new luxurious kitchen space,” he wrote, adding, “PS: I still love the Super Eagles.”
The post attracted reactions from his colleagues, with comedian Warri Pikin asking, “Wetin you dey fry na?” while actress Bisola Aiyeola questioned, “Why you dey spoil mouth?”
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