•Emmanuel Amuneke
Former Super Eagles winger, Emmanuel Amuneke has called on the federal government to expedite the distribution of houses to the remaining members of the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations-winning squad, confirming that he received his allocation long ago.
“You mean the 1994 houses? I have received mine long ago,” he told our correspondent.
“They should hand over to the others now. Let them do it.”
Amuneke’s comments come as the federal government continues to fulfil its three-decade-old promise of house allocations to members of the 1994 Super Eagles squad that won the Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia, reports The PUNCH.
The government recently presented an allocation letter for a house in Abuja to former striker Efan Ekoku, who was represented at the brief ceremony by his niece, Lisa Jenifer Nwagbogun.
The Director and Head of Department, Public Building and Housing Development, Pemi Temitope, presented 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 patriotic service of the team, which brought honour to the nation three decades ago.
Nwagbogun expressed gratitude for the gesture, saying, “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 stems from a promise made to the 1994 Super Eagles squad following their historic AFCON triumph in Tunisia, which marked Nigeria’s second continental title.
Former President Muhammadu Buhari approved the implementation of the 1994 housing pledge in 2022, 28 years after it was first made, signalling the government’s intention to honour the long-standing commitment to the national heroes.
Housing units are being allocated to members of the team in various states across the country, whilst some, like Ekoku, are receiving theirs in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
The 1994 Super Eagles squad achieved legendary status by defeating Zambia 2-1 in the final to claim Nigeria’s second AFCON title, with the team featuring notable players including Amuneke, Ekoku, and other stars of Nigerian football’s golden generation.
