17/02/2024
The super eagles of Nigeria
Undoubtedly one of the most decorated teams in Africa and west Africa power house are 3 times afcon champions. Formerly known as the green eagles, the super earlys hosted the afcon in 1980 and we're crowned African champions for the first time. Barely two two editions later in Cote D'Ivoire (84) a very young super eagles side with the likes of Stephen ketchi , adesenya, okala , etc the afcon finals in Abidjan against a more experience Cameroon side which included the like of Roger milla,, abega theophile, ebongue enerst , and Joseph bell . It was regarded as one of the best finals at the time and Cameroon carried the day by 3 goals to one .
The 90s saw the emergence of a youthful Nigerian side which included players like rachidi yakini, oliseh Sunday, Daniel omokachi, Samson siasia , etim esin etc. It is high said that the Nigerian team of the 90s were their golden generation. This formidable side were afcon finalist twice in the 90s ( 90 and 94) they were crowned champions in 1994 (against Zambia)
Out of the African continent qualifying for a major tournament such as the senior world cup was challanging since the number of African places for a world cup were limited and very competitive . The missed of the 1990 world cup after losing to Cameroon in the final day of play in 89. In 1993 they qualified for the world cup for the very first time in their history. Exceptional results against Bulgaria, Spain could not take them to the quarter finals . The later qualified for the world cup in France making it their second participation.
The 2000s began well for the super eagles as the won silver medal against Cameroon in a closely contested game which is regarded as the best afcon finals of all time. Silver bronze medals In Mali in 2002 wasn't what Nigerian fans wanted as they bow out to Senegal in the semis in 2002.
After 2002 the was a slow down in performances as most of their key players were becoming old such as Jay Jay, kanu, finidi. From 2004 to 2010 was considered a dark age in Nigerian football as they failed to qualify for the 2006 world cup, and poor afcon performances in 2006, 2008 . It took them till 2013 to win another major tournament at the afcon