KADUNA GOVT FULFILS 30-YEAR PROMISE TO ATLANTA ’96 GOLD MEDALLISTS

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By; Sunmola Ganiyat

Former Super Eagles star and 1996 Atlanta Olympic gold medallist, Daniel Amokachi, has commended Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, for fulfilling a 30-year-old promise to members of Nigeria’s victorious Olympic football team.

Amokachi praised Sani for allocating plots of land to him, Garba Lawal and Emmanuel Babayaro, as well as directing that streets be named after some members of the historic squad.

He said the gesture had restored the former players’ confidence in government and demonstrated the importance of recognising sports heroes while they are still alive.

Amokachi spoke on Tuesday during an inspection of the ongoing reconstruction of the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna alongside other football veterans.

He recalled that the Federal Government and state governments made several promises to the Atlanta ’96 team after their historic victory, but many remained unfulfilled for three decades.

“When we won the Olympics gold medal in 1996, the Federal Government and state governments made several promises to us, but 30 years down the line, most of those promises were never fulfilled.

“But Governor Uba Sani has fulfilled his own promise. He has given myself, Garba Lawal and Emmanuel Babayaro plots of land. He has also directed that streets should be named after some of those who have not been immortalised,” Amokachi said.

He thanked the governor for his commitment to rewarding veteran footballers and coaches during their lifetime.

Lawal, also a former Super Eagles player and ex-General Manager of Kaduna United Football Club, described the stadium reconstruction as a major project that would help restore Kaduna’s status as a football hub.

He said the completed facility would meet international standards and provide the Super Eagles with a suitable training and match venue.

“Now, the Super Eagles will not have to go to Uyo to train. This one is right here at my doorstep. It’s a wonderful project and, by the grace of God, we shall come and unveil it by November,” Lawal said.

Babayaro said Sani had successfully reunited Kaduna’s football community and revived the state’s passion for the sport.

“Governor Uba Sani has assembled the entire football family of Kaduna State and football is thriving again like we used to know it,” he said.

Responding, Sani thanked former players, coaches and football administrators for their contributions to sports development in the state.

He described Kaduna as one of Nigeria’s leading football-producing states and said his administration was committed to restoring its sporting glory through investment in infrastructure.

Sani said the reconstruction of the Ahmadu Bello Stadium became necessary after years of neglect, noting that the facility was built in 1964 with a 16,000-seat capacity.

According to him, the reconstructed stadium will accommodate 33,000 spectators and feature a hybrid pitch combining natural grass and synthetic turf.

He said the facility would have a FIFA-standard pitch upon completion, adding that Nigeria needed more stadiums capable of hosting CAF and FIFA competitions.

The governor also highlighted the economic benefits of sports, noting that major international tournaments generate significant revenue through hospitality, transportation and other sectors.

He said Kaduna was positioning itself to attract major sporting events and maximise the economic opportunities they provide.