Afrobeat Star Davido Loses N75 Million Bet After AFCON 2025

Nigerian music superstar Davido has recently experienced a significant financial setback after the Super Eagles were defeated by Morocco in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi-final. This unexpected loss cost him a staggering ₦75 million (approximately $50,000) that he had confidently wagered on his national team to secure victory.

The highly anticipated semi-final match took place on January 14, 2026, at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. The game ended in a tense 0-0 draw after regulation time, leading to Morocco clinching the win with a 4-2 victory in a penalty shootout. This hard-fought battle resulted in Nigeria being knocked out of the tournament, crushing Davido’s dreams of a substantial payout from his bet.

Before the match kicked off, the Afrobeats icon shared a screenshot of his betting slip on social media, revealing that he had placed a $50,000 (about ₦75 million) parlay bet. This bet required Nigeria to win within 90 minutes, both teams to score, and the match to feature more than 1.5 goals. Unfortunately for Davido, none of these betting conditions were fulfilled, leading to the unfortunate outcome.

Had Davido’s bet been successful, the odds of 6.97 would have meant a potential windfall of over $348,000 (around ₦522 million). Instead, the combination of a goalless draw and subsequent penalty shootout loss effectively wiped out his wager — serving as a stark reminder of the inherent risks of high-stakes sports betting.

Morocco’s victory not only propelled them into the AFCON final against Senegal but also marked the end of Nigeria’s campaign in the tournament. The Super Eagles will now face a third-place playoff, coming to terms with their semi-final exit.

Fans have taken to social media to express a mix of sympathy and humor in response to Davido’s significant financial loss and Nigeria’s defeat. Many highlighted the unpredictability of football, especially in knockout matches that can hinge on penalty shootouts, while others debated the prudence of placing such high-stakes bets on sports.

For Davido, this loss transcends mere dollars and cents; it reflects his deep passion for the Super Eagles and illustrates the emotional investment that countless fans place in their national teams during major international tournaments like AFCON. This incident serves as a poignant reminder of the highs and lows of sports betting and the fluctuating fortunes that can come from placing large wagers on the outcome of beloved sporting events.