Former Super Eagles winger Emmanuel Amuneke has urged the Federal Government to hasten the distribution of houses to the remaining members of the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations-winning squad, confirming that he had received his allotment long before.
“You mean the 1994 houses? I received mine long ago,” Amuneke said.
“They should hand over to the others now. Let them do it.”
Amuneke’s remarks come as the federal government continues to execute its three-decade-old pledge of housing allocations for members of the 1994 Super Eagles squad that won the Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia.
The government recently presented veteran striker Efan Ekoku with an allocation letter for a property in Abuja. His niece, Lisa Jenifer Nwagbogun, represented him at the brief ceremony.
Pemi Temitope, Director and Head of Department, Public Building and Housing Development, delivered the letter on behalf of the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, describing the move as part of the government’s commitment to rewarding the team’s patriotic service that brought honour to the nation three decades ago.
Nwagbogun expressed thanks for the gesture, adding, “I am deeply grateful to the Federal Government and the Ministry of Housing for fulfilling this long-standing pledge to my uncle. 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.”
The housing allocation derives from a promise given to the 1994 Super Eagles players following their historic AFCON victory in Tunisia, which was Nigeria’s second continental title.
Former President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the implementation of the 1994 housing pledge in 2022, 28 years after it was initially made, signifying the government’s readiness to honour its long-standing commitment to national heroes.
Housing units are being assigned to members of the team in various states around the country, with some, such as Ekoku, obtaining them in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
The 1994 Super Eagles roster became legendary after defeating Zambia 2-1 in the final to win Nigeria’s second AFCON championship, with renowned players such as Amuneke, Ekoku, and other legends from Nigerian football’s golden generation.
