President Buhari redeems pledge of house allocation to 1994 Super Eagles

By Matthew Eloyi

President Muhammadu Buhari has redeemed the pledge of house allocation to the 22 members of the 1994 Supper Eagles national football team.

Buhari, represented by the FCT Minister of State, Hajiya Ramatu Tijjani, commissioned the 76 Housing estates built in Lokoja, Kogi State on Monday.

Buhari expressed regrets that 28 years after the super Eagles exploit in Tunisia, where it beat the Zambian team to emerge champion, the promise of reward of houses to each member was not fulfilled.

In his words, “This occasion provides the opportunity to remember our heroes, the valiant Super Eagles to whom our country made a promise of providing Housing for winning the 1994 African Cup of Nations.

“On behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria, I feel proud and privileged to redeem the promise made to these patriotic Nigerians, even if belatedly.

“It’s better late than never and I have approved allocation to redeem the outstanding allocation to 22 members of the Super Eagles in National Housing Estate located in their system of choice.”

The president also ordered that keys and title documents be handed over to the players at the commissioning of the houses in the home states of other team members.

It was gathered that the Super Eagles defeated Zambia 2-1 in the 1994 Nations Cup Final to win their second title.

Nigeria won the 1994 edition of the Nations Cup hosted by Tunisia, with a set of players considered as the greatest team in the history of Nigerian football.

Emmanuel Amuneke scored a brace to give the Super Eagles victory over the Chipolopolo.

According to reports, among members of the 1994 team were: Austin Okocha, Sunday Oliseh, Samson Siasia, Steve Keshi, Augustine Egavoen, Emmanuel Amuneke, Rasheed Yekini, Victor Ikpeba, Mutiu Adepoju, among others.

However, Rashidi Yekini, Uche Okafor, Thompson Oliha, Wilfred Agbonavbare and Steve Keshi, who played for Nigeria in that tournament have passed on.