By Yusuf Adua (Sport Correspondent)
President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the allocation of houses to the Nigerian Super Eagles squad that won the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia.
This comes after 27 years of this triumphant team in Tunis, they have now been duly rewarded for their successful gallant outing on the continent.
According to a statement from the presidency, every player including the deceased [Uche Okafor, Stephen Keshi, Wilfred Agbonavbare, and Thompson Oliha] will get a 3-bedroom house each in their preferred state.
Nigeria won the 1994 tournament at the Stade El Menzah with former Barcelona striker Emmanuel Amuneke scoring a brace that powered Clemens Westerhof’s men to a 2-1 comeback win over Zambia.
The African giants marked their second triumph at the continental showpiece after their maiden success in 1980 and their last was the 2013 edition which they won in South Africa against Burkina Faso.
“President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the allocation of 3-bedroom houses to the Super Eagles squad that won the African Cup of Nations in Tunis, Tunisia, in 1994, making real a promise by the Federal Government,” read the statement.
Following a memo by Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, the President approved the allocations in their states of preference, noting that six players and three technical crews received their houses already.
“The players are Peter Rufai, Alloy Agu, Ike Shorounmu, Uche Okechukwu, Samson Siasia, Efan Ekoku, Sunday Oliseh, Benedict Iroha, Isaac Semitoje, Mutiu Adepoju, Emmanuel Amunike, Victor Ikpeba, Austin Eguavoen, and Wilfred Agbonavbare (Deceased).
“Others are Uche Okafor (Deceased), Thompson Oliha (Deceased), Stephen Keshi (Deceased), Christian Chukwu, Dr. Akin Amao, Stephen Edema, Col. A Asielue, and B. Aromasodun, ” the statement said.
On that note, sports minister Sunday Dare has appreciated President Buhari for his prompt consent to the house gifts that have been on hold for over 27 years.
“This is the hallmark of a great leader. A sports-loving President for that matter,” Dare said in his statement.
“I want to most sincerely thank President Muhammadu Buhari for his quick response to the memo raised by Minister of Works and Housing Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN. This matter had lingered for too long, but thanks to the President for making this long-standing promise a reality,” Dare said.
“This is not only heart-warming but timely and commendable. This is another confirmation that the President loves sports and would always reward our sportsmen and women who make this country proud. We are so delighted that the labour of our heroes has not gone in vain,” Hon Dare expressed.
Following the delayed fulfilment of the government’s promise, the eagles will be in high spirits to aim for victory when Nigeria battle for supremacy in Cameroon next year.
Gernot Rohr’s men will aim to surpass their previous high in the continental showpiece in 2019 which they went home with bronze medals after a 1-0 victory over Tunisia to claim a third-place finish.
