Nigeria Super Eagles AFCON achievements complete guide

Nigeria Super Eagles AFCON Achievements: A Complete Guide

Introduction

The Nigeria Super Eagles are one of the most successful national teams in African football history, with a rich legacy of achievements in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). In this article, we will take a comprehensive look at the team’s AFCON achievements, from their first appearance in 1963 to their most recent successes.

Early Years (1963-1980)

The Nigeria Super Eagles made their AFCON debut in 1963, finishing as runners-up to Ghana. They would go on to win their first AFCON title in 1980, defeating Algeria in the final. This victory marked a significant milestone in Nigerian football history, and it paved the way for future successes.

Golden Years (1980-1994)

The 1980s were a golden era for the Nigeria Super Eagles, with the team winning two more AFCON titles (1984 and 1988) and finishing as runners-up twice (1986 and 1990). This period saw the emergence of legendary players such as Rashidi Yekini, Stephen Keshi, and Sunday Oliseh, who would go on to become household names in Nigerian football.

Modern Era (1994-2013)

After a dip in form in the 1990s, the Nigeria Super Eagles began to rebuild and regain their dominance in the early 2000s. They won the 2013 AFCON title, defeating Burkina Faso in the final. This victory marked a significant comeback for the team, and it cemented their status as one of the top teams in African football.

Recent Successes (2013-present)

Since their 2013 AFCON title, the Nigeria Super Eagles have continued to experience success, finishing as runners-up in 2019 and qualifying for the 2021 AFCON tournament. The team has also seen the emergence of new talent, including players such as Victor Osimhen and Samuel Chukwueze, who have become key players for the team.

Conclusion

The Nigeria Super Eagles have a rich legacy of achievements in the AFCON, with a total of three titles and several runner-up finishes. From their early years to their modern-day successes, the team has consistently demonstrated their dominance in African football. As they look to the future, the Nigeria Super Eagles are poised to continue their success and cement their status as one of the top teams in African football.

• AFCON Titles: 3 (1980, 1984, 2013)
• AFCON Runner-up Finishes: 5 (1963, 1986, 1990, 2000, 2019)
• AFCON Third-place Finishes: 2 (1988, 2002)