Shehu Sani salutes Green Eagles on 40th anniversary of AFCON victory

Civil rights activist and former Senator of the Federal Republic, Shehu Sani has commended the 1980 set of the Green Eagles, who made Nigeria proud when they won the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) for the first time in the country’s history.

Nigeria is celebrating the 40th anniversary of that victory, which gave the country the title after beating Algeria 3-0 at the National Stadium, Lagos.

Senator Sani in a statement said, “I have personally called some of the players, who are alive today to commend them for the honour they brought to this country 40 years ago.”

He added, “Today is the 40th anniversary of the victory of the Green Eagles of victory in 1980 and it was an unforgettable memory. I have spoken with Segun Odegbami, Felix Owolabi, Shefiu Muhammed and the wife of Best Ogedengbe.

“The memories of the victory will continue to linger in the history of the sport of the nation.”

He also prayed for the souls of the late players, who were part of the great victory for the nation.

The team, captained by Christian Chukwu, beat Algeria 3-0 on a day all the bigwigs in Nigeria at the time, including then-President Shehu Shagari, were at the stadium to cheer them to victory.

Among the gladiators in the competition were Christian Chukwu, Segun Odegbami, Adokie Aimiesimaka, the late Best Ogedengbe, the late Okey Isima, Henry Nwosu, John Orlando, Shefiu Mohammed, Alloy Atuegbu, Ifeanyi Onyedika, Sylvanus Okpalla, David Adiele, Charles Bassey, Felix Owolabi, Tunde Bamidele (late), Kadiri Ikhana, Frank Onwuachi, Godwin Odiye, Emmanuel Okala, Moses Effiong and Martin Eyo.