President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the allocation of housing units in the National Housing Estate across the country to 22 members of the Super Eagles that won the 1994 African Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The president spoke on Thursday during the official commissioning of housing projects under the National Housing Programme (NHP) Phase 1 at the Three Arms Zone in Minna.
Nigeria beat Zambia 2-1 in the final of the 19th edition of AFCON played on April 10, 1994 in Tunis, the capital of Tunisia.
The team coached by Dutchman Clemens Westerhof was captained by the late Stephen Keshi.
Others in the squad included Peter Rufai, Augustine Eguavoen, Emmanuel Amuneke, Augustine Okocha, Daniel Amokachi, Sunday Oliseh, Finidi George, Samson Siasia and the late Rashidi Yekini.
Represented by the Minister of State of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Zubairu Dada, the president stated that the members of the Super Eagles would be free to select any house in any of the houses in the housing projects across the country.
“This provides an 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, which has remained unfulfilled.
“On behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria, I feel proud and privileged to redeem the promise Nigeria made to these patriotic Nigerians, even if belatedly.
“As the saying goes, it is 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 state of choice.
“Their keys and title documents will be handed over at the commissioning in their state while the remainder of the housing is allocated to willing members of the public,” he said.
The president stated that the housing estate “is an example of the fulfilment of the promise of change and to provide affordable and accessible housing to Nigerians.
