Nigerian music superstar David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has broken his silence after suffering a massive financial loss following the Super Eagles' exit from the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations.
A Costly Wager on National Pride
The celebrated singer lost a staggering $348,000, approximately 495 million Naira, after his high-stakes bet on Nigeria's victory collapsed. The dramatic semi-final match, played on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, saw the host nation, Morocco, triumph over Nigeria in a tense penalty shootout.
Before the kickoff, Davido had publicly shared his bet slip on social media, revealing a $50,000 wager placed on Nigeria to advance to the final. The potential payout was a life-changing sum, but it vanished after 120 minutes of intense football and a 4-2 penalty defeat.
Davido's Unbothered Reaction to the Loss
In the immediate aftermath of the crushing loss, Davido took to Instagram with a response that surprised many. Rather than expressing visible frustration, he posted a picture of himself seemingly at peace, enjoying a luxurious grilled fish meal.
This cool, collected reaction sent a clear message to his millions of followers. He later shared another update showing he was already airborne, having boarded his private jet to leave Morocco shortly after the match, skipping the tournament's third-place playoff.
The Penalty Drama That Sealed the Fate
The Super Eagles' dream, and Davido's bet, were ultimately dashed during the penalty shootout. Morocco's goalkeeper, Yassine Bounou, emerged as the hero, saving two crucial Nigerian penalties. The missed kicks by Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi sealed Nigeria's fate.
The penalty misses sparked reactions beyond the stadium. Nollywood actress Nkechi Blessing Sunday did not hold back her frustration, particularly calling out Samuel Chukwueze's effort in a now-viral social media post.
Goalkeeper Nwabali and Fan Reactions
Despite the loss, Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali earned praise from fans for his valiant performance throughout the tournament. He took to his social media to share his emotional reaction after falling short in consecutive AFCON campaigns for Nigeria.
The incident highlights the intense passion Nigerians have for football and the Super Eagles, a passion that even the wealthiest celebrities like Davido are not immune to. While the financial loss is significant, the singer's calm demeanor suggests he took the gamble in stride, treating it as part of the highs and lows of supporting the national team.
