Over the decades, the Super Eagles have built a reputation as one of Africa's most thrilling football teams. From top AFCON runs and triumphs to amazing World Cup displays, Nigeria has consistently produced lineups that captured the hearts of fans both at home and abroad.
Here is a look back at 7 legendary Super Eagles lineups that left lasting impressions from 1994 to today.
USA '94 World Cup Team
Nigeria's first-ever World Cup appearance in 1994 was nothing short of special. Led by Clemens Westerhof, the Super Eagles combined confidence, skill, and fearlessness on the global stage, topping a tough group featuring Argentina, Bulgaria, and Greece.
A classic 4-4-2 with explosive width and a strong physical presence through the middle, the Super Eagles defeated Bulgaria and Greece, losing to Argentina in the group stage.
Why it's unforgettable: The Eagles were minutes away from knocking out Italy in the Round of 16 before Roberto Baggio's late magic. Despite the loss, this squad earned global respect and elevated Nigeria to fifth in the FIFA World Rankings, a record for any African country to this day.
Key players: Peter Rufai, Stephen Keshi, Finidi George, Emmanuel Amuneke, Jay-Jay Okocha, Rashidi Yekini
France '98 World Cup Team
Four years after the heroics in the US, Nigeria returned to the World Cup in France with a more experienced core and even more flair. The opening win over Spain (3-2) was one of the best results in Super Eagles history.
Sunday Oliseh's thunderbolt from outside the box to sink Spain in the group opener was the memorable moment of the tournament for the Super Eagles.
Why it's unforgettable: Nigeria once again topped their group, showing class and swagger. Though they lost to Denmark in the Round of 16, the journey to that stage confirmed the team's status as African giants.
Key players: Jay-Jay Okocha, Sunday Oliseh, Taribo West, Mutiu Adepoju, Finidi George, Rashidi Yekini.
AFCON 2000 Finalists
Co-hosted by Ghana and Nigeria, this edition of AFCON saw the Super Eagles entertain fans with attacking football and dramatic moments. Though they eventually lost to Cameroon in a controversial penalty shootout, their run to the final was filled with character.
With quick transitions, midfield creativity and wide play, Okocha and Oliseh controlled the tempo brilliantly.
Why it's unforgettable: Julius Aghahowa's brace in Nigeria's quarter-final win against Senegal and Okocha's moment of magic in the final remain defining moments. The loss to Cameroon in the final still stings, but the squad's fighting spirit earned them love from fans.
Key players: Jay-Jay Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu, Tijani Babangida, Victor Ikpeba, Sunday Oliseh, Finidi George, Julius Aghahowa, Ike Shorunmu
2004 AFCON Semi-finalists
Though the Eagles did not win the title, the 2004 team featured one of the most technically gifted midfields in Nigeria's history. They narrowly lost to eventual champions Tunisia on penalties in the semi-final.
Okocha's brilliant free-kick goal against Cameroon in the quarter-finals remains a memorable highlight, while Osaze Odemwingie announced himself to the world with a brace against South Africa in the group stage.
Why it's unforgettable: The team played entertaining football and gave fans plenty to cheer about. Okocha, in particular, was at the peak of his powers, scoring, creating, and inspiring.
Key players: Jay-Jay Okocha, Joseph Yobo, Obafemi Martins, Yakubu Aiyegbeni, Vincent Enyeama, John Utaka, Nwankwo Kanu, Osaze Odemwingie
AFCON 2013 Champions
After nearly two decades without continental success, Nigeria stunned many by winning the Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa. Under the late Stephen Keshi, the team was not even considered a favourite, but they grew into the competition.
Balanced and compact, with Mikel Obi pulling the strings in midfield and Emmanuel Emenike providing the goal threat along with Brown Ideye's hustle.
Why it's unforgettable: Sunday Mba's goal in the final against Burkina Faso sealed the trophy. This team had a bit of everything, from youth, experience, grit and flair. Keshi became only the second person to win AFCON as both a player and a coach.
Key players: Vincent Enyeama, Kenneth Omeruo, Sunday Mba, Victor Moses, Emmanuel Emenike, John Obi Mikel, Brown Ideye, Ogenyi Onazi
Russia 2018 World Cup Squad
This was not the most successful Super Eagles team on paper, but it played with youthful energy and captured attention globally, especially with its striking jersey and explosive counter-attacks.
Ahmed Musa's stunning brace against Iceland was one of Nigeria's finest World Cup performances, and it sent a frenzy across the nation.
Why it's unforgettable: This team marked a generational shift, and despite crashing out in the group stage, their performances gave fans hope and excitement about the future, especially in midfield and attack.
Key players: Ahmed Musa, Victor Moses, Wilfred Ndidi, Leon Balogun, Alex Iwobi, John Mikel Obi, Odion Ighalo, William Troost-Ekong
AFCON 2023 Finalists
Held in Ivory Coast, this edition saw a more defensively solid Super Eagles outfit that played with focus and discipline under Jose Peseiro. While they fell short in the final against the hosts, the journey was one of belief and unity.
Why it's unforgettable: Ademola Lookman scored crucial knockout-stage goals, Victor Osimhen troubled defences, Stanley Nwabali became a fan favourite with his saves, and Troost-Ekong emerged as an inspirational leader.
This group were not the flashiest side, but their determination and team unity captured the hearts of many.
Key players: Victor Osimhen, William Troost-Ekong, Stanley Nwabali, Calvin Bassey, Ademola Lookman
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