The Federal Government has fulfilled its housing and land pledges to Super Eagles players for their runner-up finish at the 2023 AFCON, reaffirming commitment to Nigerian sports
FG Fulfils Housing, Land Promises to Super Eagles Over 2023 AFCON Feat
The Federal Government has fulfilled its pledge of housing and land allocations to members of the Super Eagles in recognition of their runner-up finish at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) held in Côte d’Ivoire.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed that the players have received official certificates for the plots of land and housing units promised by President Bola Tinubu following the team’s impressive continental outing.
Similarly, Promise Efoghe, Media Officer of the Super Eagles, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the documents were formally presented to the players at the team’s camp in Fes, Morocco, on Monday.
Nigeria finished second at the tournament, which was played in 2024, after a hard-fought 2–1 defeat to hosts Côte d’Ivoire in the final.
Upon their return to Nigeria, President Tinubu hosted the team at the Presidential Villa, where he conferred the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) on each member of the squad. The president also approved the allocation of a plot of land in the Federal Capital Territory and a housing unit for every player in appreciation of their performance.
NAN further reported that certificates of conferment for the national honours were also presented to the players by Senator Abdul Ningi, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports, and the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi.
Speaking during the presentation, NFF President Ibrahim Gusau said the development underscored the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to sports development in Nigeria.
“The president graciously promised houses and lands, as well as national honours, and today those promises are being fulfilled,” Gusau said.
“There was no reason to begin another AFCON campaign without honouring that pledge. This shows seriousness and respect for the players.”
Gusau expressed confidence in the team’s prospects at the ongoing tournament in Morocco, noting that preparations were geared towards ultimate success.
“We have prepared with the clear objective of winning the trophy. Success here will lift the spirits of Nigerians everywhere,” he stated.
He added that despite global economic challenges, the federation maintained high standards in travel, accommodation and logistics, stressing that the players deserved comfort and respect.
Also speaking, Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, said the government was resolute in fulfilling all promises before the commencement of the tournament.
“It was a firm decision of government that every promise must be fulfilled before our first AFCON match,” Dikko said.
Recalling delays in similar commitments in the past, he noted, “Previously, such pledges took nearly 20 years. This time, we acted promptly to show a new trajectory for Nigerian sports.”
Dikko described the move as a reflection of the Renewed Hope Agenda, emphasising the administration’s focus on credibility and motivation.
“Whatever President Bola Tinubu promises, he delivers on time. This is about trust, motivation and shared prosperity,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Super Eagles will open their Group C campaign against Tanzania on Tuesday at the Complexe Sportif de Fès Stadium, Fez, from 5:30 p.m. Nigeria will also face Tunisia on Saturday and Uganda on December 30 as they pursue a fourth continental title.
The team arrived in Fez on December 18 aboard a chartered flight from their final training camp in Cairo. Read More (NAN)
