The Super Eagles of Nigeria have created so many iconic moments over the years, and we look back on 7 of the very best.
Football is a unifying factor for Nigerians, and the Nations' men football team; the Super Eagles, have been an embodiment of that.
Over the years, they have thrilled fans with their never-say-die spirit, vibrant green kits, goals, and catchy celebrations.
Here are 7 times the Super Eagles shocked the football world.
1. 1994 World Cup: Dazzling Debut for Super Eagles
The Super Eagles' first FIFA World Cup in 1994 was a statement. Facing Argentina, Bulgaria, and Greece, Nigeria, led by Rashidi Yekini and Jay-Jay Okocha, shocked Bulgaria with a 3-0 rout, Yekini's net-clutching celebration becoming iconic.
They pushed Argentina to a narrow 2-1 defeat and beat Greece 2-0 to reach the round of 16. Though Italy ended their run in a 2-1 extra-time thriller, the Super Eagles' fearless play put Nigeria on the global stage.
2. Beating Brazil at 1996 Atlanta Olympics
In 1996, Nigeria's U-23 Super Eagles, featuring Nwankwo Kanu and Jay-Jay Okocha, pulled off one of football's greatest upsets at the Atlanta Olympics.
In the semi-finals, they staged a 4-3 comeback against Brazil, with Kanu's 90th-minute equalizer and golden goal toppling a side with Ronaldo and Rivaldo.
3. Winning Africa's First Olympic Gold
After their stunning 4-3 semi-final victory over Brazil, Nigeria's Super Eagles entered the 1996 Atlanta Olympics final as underdogs against an Argentina side boasting stars like Hernan Crespo, Claudio Lopez, and Ariel Ortega. The July 3, 1996, showdown at Sanford Stadium was a rollercoaster.
Argentina took a 2-1 lead by halftime, with Crespo scoring from the spot and Lopez adding a second. But the Super Eagles, fueled by the flair of Jay-Jay Okocha and the leadership of Nwankwo Kanu, refused to back down. Daniel Amokachi leveled the score in the 74th minute, igniting hope. Then, in the 90th minute, Emmanuel Amunike delivered the decisive blow, slotting home a 3-2 winner that sent Nigerian fans into a frenzy.
4. Reaching 2023 AFCON final
The Super Eagles' journey to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final, held in 2024 due to scheduling adjustments, was a testament to Nigeria's resilience. Under coach José Peseiro, a team not tipped as favorites defied expectations in Ivory Coast. After a shaky 1-1 draw with Equatorial Guinea,
Nigeria found their stride, defeating hosts Ivory Coast 1-0 and Guinea-Bissau 1-0 to advance. In the knockout stages, the Super Eagles stunned Cameroon 2-0, with Ademola Lookman scoring twice, and edged Angola 1-0.
The semi-final against South Africa was a nail-biter, with Nigeria prevailing 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw, thanks to goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali's heroics. Though they fell 2-1 to Ivory Coast in the final, the Super Eagles' run, led by Victor Osimhen and Lookman, showcased Nigeria's ability to compete with Africa's best, earning global respect for their tenacity.
5. When Super Eagles stunned Spain at France 98 World Cup
The 1998 World Cup saw the Super Eagles face Spain in their group stage opener. Spain scored twice, but Nigeria fought back with Mutiu Adepoju's equalizer and Sunday Oliseh's stunning long-range strike for a 3-2 upset.
The Super Eagles advanced to the round of 16 after also beating Bulgaria, though Denmark stopped them with a 4-1 loss. This victory over Spain cemented Nigeria's reputation as giant-killers.
6. Winning the AFCON in 2013
After a 19-year AFCON drought, the Super Eagles, coached by Stephen Keshi, defied expectations in 2013. Not favored, Nigeria powered through, stunning Ivory Coast in the quarter-finals.
In the final against Burkina Faso, Sunday Mba's 40th-minute wonder goal sealed a 1-0 win, securing Nigeria's third AFCON title. The Super Eagles' grit and flair reminded the world of their pedigree.
7. 2014 World Cup: Musa's Brace Against Messi's Argentina
In the 2014 World Cup, the Super Eagles faced a star-studded Argentina side in their final Group F match. Lionel Messi struck twice, but Ahmed Musa answered with a historic brace, becoming the first Nigerian to score twice in a World Cup game.
Marcos Rojo's 50th-minute goal gave Argentina a 3-2 win, but Nigeria advanced to the round of 16, and Musa's heroics against a footballing powerhouse left fans in awe.
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