Former Nigeria striker and 1980 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) winner, Ifeanyi Onyedika, MON, has exclusively told Completesports.com that he will never sell the house awarded to him by the Shehu Shagari-led Federal Government after Nigeria’s maiden AFCON triumph.
Describing the property as a “legacy”, Onyedika said the house, located in Festac, Lagos, holds deep sentimental value and represents a milestone in his football career.
“My AFCON House Gift Still There in Festac”
Onyedika, who is now the Head Coach of Nigeria National League (NNL) side, Abakaliki FC, spoke on Tuesday at Awka City Stadium during his team’s training ahead of their Wednesday fixture against Solution FC.
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“It’s still there in Lagos, at Festac. If you want to rent it, I can give you a paper and you meet my lawyer,” he quipped when asked about the house, especially in light of some of his former teammates selling theirs or transferring ownership.
“It’s a legacy. I won’t even transfer it. I live in Enugu now, in an estate. It’s something I look back on and remember the old playing days – the Nations Cup win.”
While some of his 1980 AFCON Green Eagles teammates have sold their homes or moved into new ones, Onyedika has opted to preserve the gift. Late captain Christian Chukwu, famously known as ‘Chairman’, once revealed to Completesports.com that he “transferred” his Festac home by selling it to build a new one in Enugu.
In addition to the house, the victorious 1980 squad members were also awarded brand-new Peugeot 504 saloon cars for their achievement.
Abakaliki FC: The ‘Giant Killers’
Currently leading Abakaliki FC in their fairy-tale run in the 2025 President Federation Cup, Onyedika’s side has earned the nickname ‘Giant Killers’. They are now preparing for a mouthwatering semi-final clash against NPFL side Ikorodu City FC on 18 May.
“We’re ready and prepared for the semi-final match. Ikorodu City is a good side – I watched them beat Lobi Stars in Enugu,” Onyedika noted.
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“But we’ve beaten Yobe Desert Stars, Katsina United, Enyimba, and Nasarawa United. Though they (Ikorodu City) are good, they aren’t better than those teams. That’s history now, but we’re convinced we can do it again.”
Why We’re Punching Above Our Weight
Nicknamed ‘Ahidjo’, Onyedika revealed the secret behind his team’s impressive performance in the Cup.
“People say we’re a second-tier league side – and that’s true. But my players don’t see it that way. Many of them have featured for NPFL clubs before, so they aren’t intimidated by the Premier League label.”
NNL Survival Still in Sight
Despite their Cup heroics, Abakaliki FC sit dangerously close to the relegation zone in the NNL. However, Onyedika remains upbeat about their survival chances.
“Yes, we’re aware of our not-too-comfortable position, but by God’s grace, we’ll retain our NNL status at the end of the season,” he said confidently.
“There are still about seven matches remaining, including tomorrow’s (Wednesday, 7 May 2025) tie against Solution FC here in Awka.”
By Sab Osuji
