By John Moses
The Nigerian government has finally honoured a decades-old commitment by awarding houses to members of the national football team that won the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Tunisia.
The announcement was made by Pemi Temitope, Director and Head of the Public Building and Housing Development Department, during a symbolic ceremony held in Abuja. Speaking on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Temitope confirmed that the long-awaited housing allocations had been delivered to members of the victorious Super Eagles squad across various states in Nigeria, including the Federal Capital Territory.
“This is a significant moment in reaffirming our commitment to honouring promises made by past administrations,” Temitope said, adding that the move recognises the players’ patriotic service and their contribution to Nigeria’s sporting history.
Former striker Efan Ekoku, who was part of the 1994 team, was represented at the event by his niece, Lisa Nwagbogun. In a message, Ekoku praised the government’s fulfilment of the pledge.
“I am deeply grateful to the Federal Government and the Ministry of Housing for fulfilling this long-standing commitment,” he said. “This gesture not only honours our service but restores faith in the value of promises kept.”
The housing pledge was originally made in 1994 but remained unfulfilled for nearly three decades. It was not until 2022 that then-President Muhammadu Buhari approved the allocation process, setting the wheels in motion for the delivery now completed.
