The Federal Government has finally fulfilled a 31-year-old pledge by handing over houses to members of Nigeria’s 1994 Super Eagles squad, who famously lifted the Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia and represented the country at its first-ever World Cup in the United States.
In a modest ceremony held in Abuja, former national striker Efan Ekoku became one of the latest beneficiaries. Although he was absent, his niece, Lisa Jenifer Nwagbogun, received the housing allocation letter on his behalf.
The allocation was presented by Pemi Temitope, Director of the Public Building and Housing Development Department, who represented the Minister of Housing and Urban Development. According to the ministry, the gesture is part of efforts to honour athletes who brought national pride during their careers.
“The government remains committed to recognising the patriotic contributions of our sports heroes,” Temitope said at the event.
Ekoku’s niece expressed gratitude, noting the gesture reaffirmed trust in government pledges.
“This not only honours Mr Efan Ekoku’s service but also restores faith in public commitments being fulfilled,” Nwagbogun said.
The housing allocation follows the 2022 directive by former President Muhammadu Buhari, who approved the implementation of the 1994 housing promise originally made in the wake of the Eagles’ historic exploits under Dutch coach Clemens Westerhof.
Other squad members are expected to receive their houses in various states across Nigeria. The long-awaited move is being widely seen as a symbolic closure to a decades-long wait for national recognition.
The 1994 Super Eagles team remains one of Nigeria’s most iconic, with notable players including Stephen Keshi, Jay-Jay Okocha, Rashidi Yekini, and Daniel Amokachi.
The team reached the Round of 16 at the USA ’94 World Cup, a feat that inspired a new generation of Nigerian footballers
