Several players from the Super Eagles ‘Golden Generation’ like Daniel Amokachi, Emmanuel Amuneke and Nwankwo Kanu are among the 60 sports icons picked to celebrate Nigeria’s diamond independence anniversary, SCORENigeria has scooped.
‘The Golden Generation’ qualified Nigeria for a first-ever World Cup in 1994 and also won the 1994 AFCON in Tunisia.
Some of the stars from this era will go on to clinch an historic Gold at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics with Nwankwo Kanu the inspirational captain.
Atlanta Olympics gold medalist Chioma Ajunwa as well as past track stars like Falilat Ogunkoya and Mary Onyali are also expected to make this prestigious list.
The ceremony to present the 60 sports icons will be on Friday at the Velodrome of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Abuja and it is expected to be graced by President Muhammadu Buhari, members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) as well some of the awardees and members of their families.
“We initiated this award because of the need to reward our heroes and heroines who have sweated to put the name of Nigeria on the world map,” explained sports minister Sunday Dare.
“Unfortunately most of these patriots have died, but we are also consoled that many of them are still alive.
“Another import of the award is that it will encourage the younger athletes and indeed Nigerians in other fields to always give their best to the country, knowing that their efforts would be appreciated by the country.”
