After decades of waiting, Nigerian sports heroes who represented the country at the Montreal 1976 Olympic Games and the 1980 African Cup of Nations are finally set to receive recognition and gratitude for their service.

These athletes were part of the Nigerian squad that boycotted the Montreal Olympics in protest against the apartheid regime in South Africa.

Despite receiving worldwide applause for their principled stand, these athletes have not been adequately acknowledged by successive governments or corporate entities.

However, the Nigeria Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) Sports Diplomacy Wall of Fame, supported by Dr. Allen Onyema, founder of Air Peace Airlines, aims to change that.

The program, titled ‘From Olympics’ Boycotts to Hosting the World – West Africa FIFA World Cup 2034,’ will also honor the members of the 1980 Green Eagles, Nigeria’s national football team, who secured the country’s first African Cup of Nations title.

At the unveiling ceremony, Dr. Onyema announced substantial rewards for the athletes, including yearly return tickets within Nigeria and international flights for the rest of their lives.

In addition to these rewards, monetary awards will also be presented during the Wall of Fame unveiling event on July 28, 2023.

Former football captain Segun Odegbami expressed gratitude on behalf of the awardees and commended Dr. Onyema for his enduring generosity and dedication to nation-building.