FG Fulfils Housing Pledge to AFCON 2023 Silver-Winning Eagles

The Federal Government of Nigeria has honoured its promise to provide houses and land to the Super Eagles squad that finished as runners-up at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations held in Côte d’Ivoire (played in early 2024). The fulfilment of this pledge came just before Nigeria’s opening match at AFCON 2025 in Morocco, with certificates of occupancy and national honours handed over to the players and team officials at the team’s base in Fès, Morocco.

President Bola Tinubu had previously welcomed the 2023 AFCON squad to the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where each member was conferred with the Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) national award and promised houses and land as part of the government’s recognition of their achievement. Representatives from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the National Sports Commission (NSC) and other government officials were present to formally present documents of the properties and national honours to the players in Morocco.

Among those rewarded were key members of the silver-winning squad, including Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Paul Onuachu, Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi, Stanley Nwabali, Zaidu Sanusi, Moses Simon, Frank Onyeka, Francis Uzoho and Bruno Onyemaechi.

According to the NFF president, the government was keen on ensuring that the promise was fulfilled before Nigeria’s next AFCON campaign began, marking a rare instance in which such a pledge was delivered promptly rather than years later, as has been the case with previous teams.

Editorial

In a football culture as passionate and historically rich as Nigeria’s, gestures of appreciation beyond match bonuses and trophies matter deeply. When the Federal Government fulfilled its housing pledge to the Super Eagles squad that finished runner-up at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, it did more than hand out property documents it reaffirmed a national narrative about honouring commitment, valuing service and giving substance to symbolic promises.

For decades, promises made to victorious Nigerian athletes have often lingered in limbo, collecting dust in statements and headlines. Yet in Fès, on the eve of AFCON 2025, officials delivered what was pledged houses and land reinforcing the idea that words can be matched by actions. This timely fulfilment was not merely administrative it was a morale-booster for players preparing to shoulder the hopes of millions once more on the continental stage.

When President Bola Tinubu honoured the 2023 squad with the Member of the Order of the Niger national award and coupled it with tangible rewards, he aligned national pride with personal investment. Footballers especially those carrying the green-white-green into global and continental arenas often serve as cultural ambassadors whose performances evoke collective emotion. Ensuring promises to them are honoured before another campaign begins was a strategic affirmation that the state respects the emotional currency of sport and acknowledges the sacrifices inherent in representing a nation.

This action also sets a standard  not just for how sporting success is rewarded, but for how public commitments are honoured in Nigeria. In fulfilling what was promised promptly, authorities sent a message about accountability and respect. If football, with all its drama and devotion, teaches us anything, it is that success is rarely a solitary feat. It is co-authored by supporters, stakeholders and, crucially, by those entrusted with stewardship. In this instance, the gesture of delivery resonated as a meaningful punctuation in a broader narrative that Nigerian football deserves not just applause, but lasting appreciation and tangible support.

Did You Know?

1. National Honours In addition to the housing and land rewards, members of the 2023 AFCON silver-winning Super Eagles squad were each conferred with the Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) national award upon their return to Nigeria after the tournament.
2. Early Fulfilment The housing pledge was honoured before the team’s opening match at AFCON 2025, illustrating a rare instance of such rewards being delivered promptly rather than years later.
3. Past Housing Promises Similar pledges have been made to historic teams for example, members of the 1994 Super Eagles were eventually allocated houses decades after promises were made.
4. Multiple Reward Types The government’s recognition included both houses and plots of land, with certificates of occupancy issued in locations like Abuja, Lagos and other cities.
5. Continuity of Honour Several current Super Eagles stars who received housing rewards such as Osimhen, Lookman and Bassey were also part of Nigeria’s AFCON 2025 squad, bridging the team’s past achievement with present aspirations.