Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Sunday Dare has pledged to honour Nigeria’s first-ever Africa Cup of Nations winner, the 1980 Green Eagles on March 22.
The 1980 team captained by Christain Chukwu (MON) will be hosted at a reception to be held at the Federal Capital Territory FCT, Abuja.
Members of the team who won the trophy 40 years ago include Chukwu, Segun Odegbami, Adokie Amiesimaka, Felix Owolabi, Kadiri Ikhana, Emmanuel Okala, Sylvanus Okpala and Henry Nwosu among others.
Odegbami, was top scorer in the tournament and bagged a brace in the 3-0 final defeat of Algeria in Lagos.
Six out of the 22 players that represente Nigeria at the champiohsip have passed on.
They are Best Ogedegbe, Okey Isima, Muda Lawal, Tunde Bamidele, Aloysius Atuegbu and Martin Eyo.
“We are planning to immortalise them for the record and achievement 40 years after doing the country proud in front of our fans.
They are worthy and ambassadors and should not be forgotten like that,” the Sports Minister quipped.
After the triumph, the federal government promised to show “appreciation” to the players and coaching crew. The Shagari-led government duly fulfilled their promise showering the team with a national honour, a house in FESTAC Town, and a car.
