Grammy-nominated Afrobeats superstar Davido has turned Nigeria's opening victory at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations into a massive personal payday, netting a staggering sum from a well-placed wager.
A Lucrative Prediction for the Super Eagles
Ahead of the Super Eagles' first Group C match against Tanzania on Tuesday, David Adeleke, known globally as Davido, placed a bold bet. The singer staked $25,000 on the prediction that both teams would score during the encounter.
He shared evidence of his confidence on his X page, posting a screenshot of the betting slip with the caption, "Let's get this W Nigeria." His faith in the team's offensive capabilities proved to be financially astute.
Following Nigeria's 2-1 win over Tanzania in Fes, Morocco, Davido's bet was successful. The correct prediction earned him a total payout of $96,564, which is estimated to be around 140 million Nigerian Naira.
Match Drama Leads to Big Win
The game itself provided the necessary drama for Davido's 'both teams to score' bet to succeed. Against the run of play, Tanzania managed to score first, putting Nigeria on the back foot early.
However, the Super Eagles demonstrated resilience, fighting back to equalize and then pushing for a winner. The decisive moment came through a late goal by Ademola Lookman, securing all three points for Nigeria and a perfect start to their campaign for a fourth AFCON title.
This public wager is not Davido's first show of high-stakes support for the national team. Previously, before a 2026 World Cup qualifier against Gabon, he bet $10,000 on a Super Eagles victory with both teams scoring. On that occasion, Nigeria lost the match and the bet was unsuccessful.
Star Power at AFCON's Grand Opening
Davido's betting triumph comes just days after he played a starring role on the AFCON stage itself. The 33-year-old singer was a featured performer at the tournament's opening ceremony in Morocco.
He led the flagship performance titled "Le Show" at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, sharing the stage with global artists French Montana and Moroccan hitmaker RedOne. The spectacle, designed for a worldwide television audience, was noted as one of the most visually striking openings in the competition's history.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) highlighted Davido's appearance, stating the Nigerian star represents the celebration, confidence, and continental pride that mirrors the spirit of the Africa Cup of Nations. His performance underscored Africa's growing cultural influence on the global stage.
With this winning start, the Super Eagles will now focus on their next Group C opponents, aiming to build momentum and secure early qualification for the knockout stages of AFCON 2025.
