The Federal Government has continued the long-overdue process of rewarding Nigeria’s 1994 Africa Cup of Nations-winning squad, with former Super Eagles striker Efan Ekoku now among the latest to receive a house allocation from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Footynaija.com reports.
Ekoku, who was part of the historic squad that lifted Nigeria’s second AFCON title in Tunisia, joins former teammates like Austin Eguavoen and Sunday Oliseh in receiving the promised reward–31 years after the team’s triumph.
The pledge dates back to 1994 when the Super Eagles conquered Africa under the guidance of Dutch coach Clemens Westerhof. The team defeated Zambia 2–1 in the final played in Tunis.
Efan Ekoku, represented by his niece, Lisa Jenifer Nwagbogun, officially received his housing allocation letter during a ceremony in Abuja.
As revealed in a report by the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, the document was presented by QS Pemi Temitope, Director and Head of Department, Public Building and Housing Development, who acted on behalf of the Honourable Minister.
“It is truly heartening to witness such commitment to integrity and follow-through,” Nwagbogun said in her remarks.
“This gesture not only honours Mr. Efan Ekoku’s service but also restores faith in the value of public promises being kept.”
The federal ministry confirmed that the allocation is part of a phased process to honour all 22 squad members. While some players have received houses in Abuja, others have been given homes in different states across the country.
Former President Muhammadu Buhari had in 2022 approved the long-delayed housing allocations, marking a significant step in redeeming a national promise that had remained untouched for nearly three decades.
The 1994 Super Eagles squad is widely regarded as one of the greatest teams in Nigerian football history. The squad included legends like Rashidi Yekini, Daniel Amokachi, Emmanuel Amunike, Sunday Oliseh, and Stephen Keshi, many of whom went on to represent Nigeria at the 1994 FIFA World Cup.