Nigeria’s 1994 AFCON Heroes Receive Long-Overdue Recognition

The Federal Government has finally delivered on its 31-year promise to reward members of the Super Eagles squad that won the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia. Former striker Efan Ekoku was among the beneficiaries, receiving an allocation letter for a house in Abuja. Ekoku’s niece, Lisa Jenifer Nwagbogun, represented him at the ceremony.

Pemi Temitope, Director and Head of Department, Public Building and Housing Development, presented the letter to Nwagbogun, highlighting the government’s commitment to honouring the team’s contributions to Nigerian football. Nwagbogun expressed gratitude to the Federal Government and the Ministry of Housing for fulfilling the long-standing pledge, saying it restores faith in the value of public promises being kept.

The promise was initially made in 1994, but it wasn’t until 2022 that former President Muhammadu Buhari approved its implementation. Since then, housing units have been allocated to team members in various states, with some receiving theirs in Abuja.

The 1994 Super Eagles squad is widely regarded as one of the greatest teams in Nigerian football history, featuring talented players like Jay Jay Okocha, Daniel Amokachi, and Rashidi Yekini The team’s victory in the 1994 AFCON marked a significant milestone in Nigerian football, and their legacy continues to inspire future generations of footballers.