More than three decades after their historic win at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 1994, members of Nigeria’s celebrated Super Eagles squad are finally receiving the houses promised to them by the Federal Government.
The long-awaited allocation, first pledged in 1994, is now being fulfilled through the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.
The announcement was confirmed in a statement released via the ministry’s official website on Wednesday, June 25.
Among the recipients is former Super Eagles striker Efan Ekoku, who was allocated a house in Abuja.
He was represented at the presentation by his niece, Lisa Jenifer Nwagbogun, during a brief ceremony in the capital city.
The Director and Head of the Department of Public Building and Housing Development, Pemi Temitope, handed over the allocation letter on behalf of the Minister of Housing and Urban Development.
While presenting the letter, Temitope described the initiative as a gesture of national gratitude.
“This move is a testament to the government’s dedication to recognizing and rewarding the patriotic service of the 1994 Super Eagles,” Temitope said.
Ekoku, through his niece, expressed heartfelt appreciation for the long-overdue gesture.
Nwagbogun said the moment brought hope and faith back to the power of public promises.
“I am deeply grateful to the Federal Government and the Ministry of Housing for fulfilling this pledge to my uncle,” she said.
“It is truly heartening to witness such commitment to integrity and follow-through. This gesture not only honours Mr. Efan Ekoku’s service but also restores faith in the value of public promises being kept.”
This long-delayed fulfilment was first approved for implementation by former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2022, but the actual distribution only began recently.
The symbolic handover of the homes comes as a touching reminder that commitment, no matter how late, can still be honoured.
Houses are being distributed to the 1994 squad members across different states.
However, some, like Ekoku, received their allocations in the Federal Capital Territory.
The Super Eagles won the Africa Cup of Nations AFCON in Tunisia in 1994, marking a key moment in Nigeria’s football history.
May we not receive our good news and our deserved rights in the grave