Wikipedia

Nigeria national football team

The Nigeria national football team[i] represents Nigeria in international men's football. Governed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), they are three-time Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) winners, with their most recent title in 2013.[2] In February 2024, the Nigerian national football team was ranked 28th in the FIFA rankings. The team has qualified for six of the last nine FIFA World Cups, missing only the 2006, 2022 and 2026 tournaments. They have reached the round of 16 on three occasions. Their first World Cup appearance was in the 1994 edition. The team is a member of FIFA and Confederation of African Football (CAF).[citation needed]

Nigeria
Shirt badge/Association crest
Nickname(s)Currently: Super Eagles Formerly: Green Eagles (until 1988) and Red Devils (until 1961)
AssociationNigeria Football Federation (NFF)
ConfederationCAF (Africa)
Sub-confederationWAFU (West Africa)
Head coachÉric Chelle
CaptainWilfred Ndidi
Most capsAhmed Musa (110)
Top scorerRashidi Yekini (37)
Home stadiumGodswill Akpabio International Stadium Moshood Abiola National Stadium Lagos National Stadium Teslim Balogun Stadium
FIFA codeNGA
First colours
Second colours
FIFA ranking
Current 26 Steady (1 April 2026)[1]
Highest5 (April 1994)
Lowest82 (November 1999)
First international
Sierra Leone 0–2 Nigeria 
(Freetown, Sierra Leone; 8 October 1949)
Biggest win
 São Tomé and Príncipe 0–10 Nigeria 
(Agadir, Morocco; 14 June 2022)
Biggest defeat
 Gold Coast and United Kingdom British Togoland 7–0 Nigeria 
(Accra, Gold Coast; 1 June 1955)
World Cup
Appearances6 (first in 1994)
Best resultRound of 16 (1994, 1998, 2014)
Africa Cup of Nations
Appearances21 (first in 1963)
Best resultChampions (1980, 1994, 2013)
African Nations Championship
Appearances3 (first in 2014)
Best resultRunners-up (2018)
Afro-Asian Cup of Nations
Appearances1 (first in 1995)
Best resultChampions (1995)
Confederations Cup
Appearances2 (first in 1995)
Best resultFourth place (1995)
Medal record
Men's football
Afro-Asian Cup of Nations
Gold medal – first place1995 Uzbekistan and NigeriaTeam
Africa Cup of Nations
Gold medal – first place1980 NigeriaTeam
Gold medal – first place1994 TunisiaTeam
Gold medal – first place2013 South AfricaTeam
Silver medal – second place1984 Ivory CoastTeam
Silver medal – second place1988 MoroccoTeam
Silver medal – second place1990 AlgeriaTeam
Silver medal – second place2000 Ghana and NigeriaTeam
Silver medal – second place2023 Ivory CoastTeam
Bronze medal – third place1976 EthiopiaTeam
Bronze medal – third place1978 GhanaTeam
Bronze medal – third place1992 SenegalTeam
Bronze medal – third place2002 MaliTeam
Bronze medal – third place2004 TunisiaTeam
Bronze medal – third place2006 EgyptTeam
Bronze medal – third place2019 EgyptTeam
Bronze medal – third place2025 MoroccoTeam
African Nations Championship
Silver medal – second place2018 MoroccoTeam
Bronze medal – third place2014 South AfricaTeam
African Games
Gold medal – first place1973 LagosTeam
Silver medal – second place1978 AlgiersTeam
WAFU Nations Cup
Gold medal – first place2010 NigeriaTeam
Silver medal – second place2011 NigeriaTeam
Silver medal – second place2017 GhanaTeam

History

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The Nigeria "UK Tourists" national team prior to their tour of the UK in 1949. The team were known among the West African nations at the time as the "Red Devils" due to their red shirts.

Early history

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Nigeria first played other colonies in unofficial games, initially in 1938 when they played the Gold Coast with a team of Lagos-based players.[3] Nigeria formed a representative national team to send abroad for a tour of England, arriving in Liverpool on 29 August 1949, and playing matches against amateur sides including Marine A.F.C. (which drew 6,000 spectators, a record their Rossett Park ground[4]), Bishop Auckland, Leytonstone, Dulwich Hamlet and Bromley.[5] Nigeria then played its first official game in October 1949, while still a British colony, as they beat Sierra Leone 2–0 in Freetown.[6]

1963–1980

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Nigeria first appeared in the Africa Cup of Nations in 1963, when they were drawn in a group with Sudan, and the then United Arab Republic. They did not advance to the next stage.[7]

The team's first major success was a gold medal in the 2nd All-Africa games in 1973 led by captain, Victor Oduah. The team went on to achieve 3rd-place finishes in the 1976 and 1978 African Cup of Nations to follow. In 1980, with players such as Segun Odegbami and Best Ogedegbe, the team, led by Christian Chukwu, won the African Cup for the first time in Lagos.[8]

Nigeria Olympic Men's football team won the football event at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, beating Mexico, Brazil and Argentina in the process. They were runners-up in the same event at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, losing to Argentina in a rematch of the 1996 Final of the event.[9][10]

In 1984, 1988 and 2000,[11] Nigeria reached the Cup of Nations final, losing to Cameroon. Three of the five African titles won by Cameroon have been won by defeating Nigeria. Missing out to Cameroon on many occasions has created an intense rivalry between both nations. Three notable occasions; narrowly losing out in the 1988 African Cup of Nations, qualifiers for the 1990 World Cup, and the controversial final of the 2000 African Cup of Nations where a kick taken by Victor Ikpeba during the penalty shoot-out was adjudged not to have crossed the goal-line by the referee.[12][8]

The team withdrew from two African Cup of Nations between 1963 and 1974, due to political instability and in 1996. In 1976, they came back to the Cup of Nations with third-place finishes in both the 1976 and 1978 African Cup of Nations.

1980–1990

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Nigeria hosted the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations and also won their first Cup of Nations title that year in Lagos. Nigeria came out as runners-up three times and had one group stage elimination, between 1982 and 1990. They also failed to qualify for the 1986 Africa Cup of Nations hosted by Egypt.

1992–2006

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Nigeria appeared again in the African Cup of Nations in 1992 and 1994, they finished third in 1992 and won the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations, which was the second time they won the tournament.

Countries qualified for the 1994 FIFA World Cup are shown in dark green
Clemens Westerhof managed the team from 1989 through the 1994 World Cup.

Nigeria finally reached the World Cup for the first time in 1994 after years of struggling to get there. They were managed by Clemens Westerhof. Nigeria topped their group which included Argentina, Bulgaria, and Greece. Nigeria defeated Bulgaria 3–0, lost to Argentina 1–2, and reached the second round after a 2–0 victory over Greece. In the second round, Nigeria played Italy and took the lead with a goal from Emmanuel Amunike in the 25th minute. Nigeria was within two minutes of qualifying for the quarter-finals, when Roberto Baggio scored to take the game to extra time. He also scored the eventual winning goal. The game ended 2–1 in favour of the Italians. In 1996 the team withdrew from that year's African Cup of Nations under pressure from the country's military dictator Sani Abacha due to the criticism received from the tournament hosts South Africa and especially its president Nelson Mandela, for the execution of Ogoni activist Ken Saro-Wiwa. Nigeria was subsequently banned from entering the 1998 African Cup of Nations.

In 1998, Nigeria returned to the World Cup alongside Cameroon, Morocco, Tunisia, and South Africa. Optimism was high due to its manager Bora Milutinović and the return of most 1994 squad members. In the final tournament Nigeria were drawn into group D with Spain, Bulgaria, Paraguay. Nigeria scored a major upset by defeating Spain 3–2 after coming back twice from being 1–0 and 2–1 down. The Eagles qualified for the second round with a win against Bulgaria and a loss to Paraguay. The team's hopes of surpassing its 1994 performance were shattered after a 1–4 loss to Denmark. This is currently the only World Cup that Nigeria qualified for without playing Argentina in the tournament finals.

In 2000 they returned to the Cup of Nations and were the runner-up and subsequently finished in third place at the 2002, 2004 and 2006 Africa Cup of Nations.

2002 and 2006 World Cups

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The 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan saw Nigeria again qualify with optimism. With a new squad and distinctive pastel green kits, the Super Eagles were expected to build on its strong performances in the 2000 and 2002 African Cup of Nations. Nigeria was drawn into group F with powerhouses Sweden, Argentina, and England. The first game against Argentina started with a strong defense that kept the first half scoreless. In the 61st minute, Gabriel Batistuta breached the Nigerian defense to put Argentina in the lead 1–0, and Argentina would go on to win the game. Nigeria's second game against Sweden saw them take the lead but later lose 2–1. Nigeria then drew 0–0 with England and bowed out in the first round.

Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2006 World Cup after finishing level on points in the qualification group with Angola, but having an inferior record in the matches between the sides.[13]

2008–2013

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Egypt versus Nigeria lineup at 2010 Africa Cup of Nations, Uzomedia

In the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations, Nigeria ended their campaign in the quarter finals after losing to Ghana. They qualified for 2010 Africa Cup of Nations, hosted by Angola, but were eliminated by Ghana in the semi-finals.

On 14 November 2009, Nigeria qualified for the 2010 World Cup after defeating Kenya by 3–2 in Nairobi.[14]

Nigeria played against South Korea at the 2010 FIFA World Cup

Nigeria lost its opening match against Argentina 1–0 at Ellis Park Stadium following a controversial Gabriel Heinze header in the 6th minute.[15][16] In its second game Nigeria led early on by a goal from Kalu Uche. A red card against Sani Kaita gave Greece the advantage. Greece scored the equaliser late in the first half and Nigeria conceded the second goal in the second half and lost the game 2–1. In their last group stage match against South Korea, Nigeria took an early lead in the 12th minute off of a great finish by Kalu Uche after a low cross from Chidi Odiah. However, goals from Lee Jung-Soo and Park Chu-Young gave South Korea a 2–1 lead, which looked to be enough for South Korea to advance into the round of 16. However, Nigeria got a chance in the 66th minute, on the end of a pass from Ayila Yussuf that was fed through the South Korean defense was none other than Yakubu, once the pass found Yakubu's foot about four yards away from the empty goal, Yakubu pushed the ball wide of the left post to leave South Korea still ahead 2–1. Three minutes later, Yakubu was able to calmly finish a penalty to knot the score at two apiece, but Nigeria was unable to score again and the match ended in a 2–2 draw. With this result, Nigeria was eliminated from the 2010 World Cup with just one point, while South Korea advanced into the round of 16 with four points. On 30 June 2010, following the team's early exit and poor showing, the then President of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan suspended the national football team from international competition for two years.[17] This suspension put the team at risk of being banned from international football by FIFA for reasons of political interference.[18]

On 5 July 2010, the Nigerian government rescinded its ban of the national football team from FIFA/CAF football competitions,[19] but the sanction of suspension was applied by FIFA some three months after.[20] On 4 October 2010, Nigeria was indefinitely banned from international football due to government interference following the 2010 World Cup.[20] Four days later, however, the ban was "provisionally lifted" until 26 October, the day after the officially unrecognised players' union – National Association of Nigerian Footballers (NANF) dropped its court case against the NFF.[21]

Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations after ending the qualifiers with a 2–2 draw against Guinea with goals from Ikechukwu Uche and Victor Obinna,[22] but were successful in their 2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualification campaign, qualifying for the final tournament in South Africa after an 8–3 aggregate win over Liberia;[23] after playing through the tournament with an unbeaten run, they defeated Burkina Faso 1–0 in the final to lift the Cup for the third time.[24] However, they did not qualify for either of the next two tournaments.[25]

2014–present

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2014 World Cup

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Line-ups for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Group F match between Nigeria and Bosnia & Herzegovina

Nigeria's campaign in the 2014 FIFA World Cup opened with a disappointing 0–0 draw against Iran. Four days later the team played their second game against Bosnia and Herzegovina. A controversial 29th-minute Peter Odemwingie goal gave Nigeria their first World Cup match win since 1998. They faced Argentina another four days later: a 3rd minute Lionel Messi goal for the opposition was followed almost instantly with an equalizer by Ahmed Musa. Messi gave Argentina the lead back just before half-time. In the second half, Musa leveled the game out again, Lionel Messi was substituted and handed over his captaincy to Marcos Rojo only for Rojo to put Argentina 3–2 ahead minutes later.

Nigeria lost the match, but still qualified for the round of 16. In the Round of 16, Nigeria faced France, an 18th-minute stabbed shot from Emmanuel Emenike saw the ball in the net, past the French goal-keeper but the goal was ruled off-side by the linesman. Nigeria held them off until the 79th minute when a cross and a Paul Pogba header gifted France the lead. An accidental own goal by Super Eagles Captain Joseph Yobo in injury time put the result beyond any doubt: Nigeria was out. This is the third time Nigeria is eliminated in the round of 16 and they were not still able to enter the Quarter-finals in the FIFA World Cup.

2018 World Cup

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Nigeria vs Iceland at the 2018 FIFA World Cup
Nigeria vs Argentina at the 2018 FIFA World Cup

On 24 June 2016, The Confederation of African Football released the draw for the 3rd round of the World Cup qualifiers which saw Nigeria grouped in what was described as a "group of death"; alongside Zambia, Algeria, and Cameroon. Nigeria started their group stage matches with a 2–1 win over Zambia in Ndola[26] and defeated Algeria 3–1 in their second match at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.[27] They went on to beat Cameroon 5–1 home and away in a back to back contest.[28]

The Super Eagles of Nigeria became the first African team to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup after beating Zambia 1–0 in Uyo.[29][30][31] On 3 June 2018, coach Gernot Rohr unveiled a 23-man squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.[32] Nigeria lost their first match of the tournament 0–2 to Croatia in Kaliningrad,[33] before they won 2–0 in the second match against a brave Iceland,[34] with Ahmed Musa scoring both goals.[35] Nigeria had a huge chance to qualify to the next round as Argentina was demolished 3–0 by Croatia. Despite this advantage, they lost 2–1 in their last group stage match against Argentina,[36] with one goal by Victor Moses.[37] For this defeat, and followed with Iceland's defeat to Croatia, Nigeria missed the opportunity to advance to the round of 16 and got eliminated from the tournament.[38]

2019 Africa Cup of Nations

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The Super Eagles started their campaign at the 2019 AFCON by defeating Burundi 1–0 in group B opening match. They went on to defeat Guinea and lost 2–0 to Madagascar in their final group stage match. The round of 16 saw the national football team of Nigeria defeating Cameroon 3–2 with goals coming from Jude Ighalo and Iwobi, they later went on to confront South Africa in the quarter-finals of the tournament. An 89th-minute header from Troost-Ekong gave Nigeria the lead over South Africa and the match ended 2–1 in favour of Nigeria. Nigeria faced Algeria in the semi-finals and were knocked out of the tournament after a 95th-minute free kick from Riyad Mahrez gave Algeria the lead. The Super Eagles later faced Tunisia in a third place match which they won 1–0 with the only goal coming from Ighalo which made him the top scorer of the tournament.

Cyriel Dessers played his first game for the national football team of Nigeria in 2020.

2021 Africa Cup of Nations

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On 18 July 2019, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) released the draw for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualification. The Super Eagles were grouped in group L alongside Lesotho, Benin, and Sierra Leone. Nigeria started out by defeating Benin 2–1 at Uyo in their first group match and later went on to beat Lesotho 4–2 in an away match. In March 2020, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the CAF postponed all AFCON qualifiers indefinitely.[39] Subsequently, on 30 June 2020, CAF rescheduled the 2021 African Cup of Nations to 2022, to take place from 9 January to 6 February 2022.[40] The qualifiers resumed on 9 November 2020.[41][42]

The 2021 AFCON started on 9 January 2022, and Nigeria was the only team in the tournament to win all three group stage matches after defeating Egypt 1–0, Sudan 3–1, and Guinea-Bissau 2–0.[43] However, Nigeria lost 1–0 in the round of 16 to Tunisia on 23 January.[44]

2022 World Cup

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Nigeria failed to qualify for the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 16 years, losing to Ghana on the away goals rule after drawing 0–0 in Ghana and 1–1 in Nigeria.[45][46]

2023 Africa Cup of Nations

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The Super Eagles started their campaign at the 2023 AFCON by drawing 1–1 to Equatorial Guinea in their opening group A match. They went on to defeat hosts Ivory Coast 1–0 and defeated Guinea Bissau in the same scoreline. The round of 16 saw the national football team of Nigeria defeating Cameroon 2–0 with a brace from Ademola Lookman, they later went on to defeat Angola in the quarter-finals of the tournament thanks to a first half strike from Lookman. Nigeria faced South Africa in the semi-finals. Substitute Kelechi Iheanacho scored to give Nigeria a 4–2 penalty shootout victory over South Africa. The match finished 1–1 after extra time. In the final, the Super Eagles finished as runners-up, losing 2–1 to hosts Ivory Coast.[47]

Team image

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Argentina versus Nigeria in a friendly match on 14 November 2017

Kits and crest

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The Nigeria national team has traditionally used a mostly-solid green on green primary set with white numbering, lettering, and highlights; coupled with all-white reversed secondary kits, all emblematic of the colours of the Nigerian flag. The shade of green has varied over the years. An olive drab-tinged, forest green was frequently favoured during the 1980s to the early 1990s, and jade has appeared in each of those decades as well; even harlequin has been used. Over the last decade, the team has appeared to settle on the more standard office green which most closely resembles the shade used on the flag. Nigeria's first national teams used a solid scarlet top over white shorts and socks until the country adopted its current colours after its independence.[48]

On 23 April 2015, Nike was announced to be the supplier of Nigeria's kits after Adidas ended their kit contract with the NFF.[49][50] Before that, Nike supplied Nigeria's kit between 1994 and 2003.[51] The kit Nike designed for Nigeria to wear at the 2018 World Cup went on to become one of the most popular international kits for collectors.[52]

Kit suppliers

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Kit supplier Period Notes
West Germany Erima 1980–1984[53] Used during early golden era including 1980 AFCON win.
United Kingdom Admiral 1984–1987[53] Featured during Nigeria's rebuilding phase.
Germany Adidas 1988–1994[53] Worn during 1994 AFCON win and USA 1994 World Cup.
United States Nike 1994–2003[51] Worn during Nigeria's debut Olympic gold (1996) and three World Cups (1994, 1998, 2002).
Germany Adidas 2004–2014[54] Kit supplier for 2006, 2010, and 2014 World Cup squads.
United States Nike 2015–present[55] Iconic 2018 World Cup kit went viral globally. Also used for 2019, 2021, and 2023 AFCONs.

Kit deals

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Kit supplierPeriodAnnouncedDurationValueNotes
United States Nike 2015–present 23 April 2015 1 May 2015 – 30 October 2018 (3.5 years)[56] US$3.75 million (₦743 million)[57]
20 November 2018 1 November 2018 – 31 December 2026 (8 years 2 months) Undisclosed[58] The new deal is reported to be worth significantly more than the previous US$3.75 million contract.

Nigeria's national team image has evolved throughout its history. Before independence, they were nicknamed the "Red Devils" due to their red-topped kits.[59] After independence, the name was changed to the "Green Eagles", referencing the national flag and the eagle from the coat of arms. Though still known as the Green Eagles at the 1988 Africa Cup of Nations, the name "Super Eagles" was officially adopted at a post-tournament reception.[60][61]

Today, only the senior men's national team uses the "Super Eagles" nickname. The women's team is known as the "Super Falcons", while the male youth teams are the "Flying Eagles" (U-20) and the "Golden Eaglets" (U-17).

Media coverage

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The Nigerian football federation currently has an active deal with the parent company of AIT and Ray Power Radio.[62] Internationally, Nigeria's qualifiers and African Cup matches are regularly broadcast abroad by the multi-platform international sports network, beIN Sports and South African broadcaster SuperSport.[63] Nigeria's international friendlies are regularly scheduled in the UK through independent organisers are marketed to the country's large population of Nigerian expatriates.

Supporters

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Nigerian football supporters at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia

Though the club is most notable at Nigeria's home matches wearing green-themed embroidered outfits specific to the club along with wigs, hats and large sunglasses while dancing, singing, playing drums and trumpets, as well as carrying pom poms, culturally significant objects, inflatable beachballs, and waving flags; they have also shown a presence travelling abroad to support Nigeria in away matches.[64][65] However, the club's efforts at improving the atmosphere at Nigeria's home and away matches are beset by funding issues, corruption and infighting.[66] The club's current head, Rafiu Ladipo, has drawn criticism from its membership and is under pressure to defer the leadership to one of his deputies.[67]

A regular sight at Nigerian home matches is also their brass and percussion band, whose rendition of well-known Highlife songs provides Nigerian home matches with a unique feel. In Nigeria, these performers are occasionally conspicuous with their military uniforms or they may be members of the Football Supporters Club.[68] A popular chant among supporters from all over the country, after a goal scored, is "Oshe Baba!", which means "Thank you father!" in Yoruba.

Rivalries

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Ghana

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Many important matches have been played against various nations who have been occasional rivals. Of these nations, Ghana is widely considered Nigeria's primary rival as the two sides have met one another more than any other opponent, as well as being two of the most successful national teams in Africa. Nigeria has enjoyed periods of success. The most notable of these periods are the early contests during the 1950s, and matches that took place in the early 2000s.

Ghana vs. Nigeria in the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations Quarter-Final

FIFA lists the first official match between the two as a World Cup qualifier match in 1960. However both national teams had already engaged in competitive matches dating back to 1950.[69] The national teams of these two West African countries were formed during the time in which both remained protectorates of the British Empire. At that time the modern-day nation of Ghana was known as the Gold Coast. Nigeria, prior to adopting the national colours of green and white, wore scarlet tops over white shorts and were known as the "Red Devils".[48] The two sides played for several rivalry and tournament cups during this period in which full international competition was barred to them. The encounter between these two teams is commonly known as the Jollof Derby.[70]

Cameroon

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Nigeria's neighbours to the east, Cameroon, have also played Nigeria a number of times over the years. The teams have met three times in the final of the African Cup of Nations with Cameroon winning each time.[71] Both carry histories of continental success and World Cup representation that is nearly unrivaled on the African continent.

Their rivalry began in 1960 and since then, Nigeria has proved to be a more dominating team, but in all three AFCON Final matches in 1984, 1988 and 2000, Cameroon prevailed over Nigeria.

Nigeria has qualified for six FIFA World Cup finals, advancing from the group stage three times (1994, 1998 and 2014), getting knocked out in the round of 16 all three times, while Cameroon has qualified eight times, advancing from the group stage only once (1990) though they made it to the quarter-finals in that edition.

Other African nations

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There is also a number of competitive matches with Algeria dating back to the 1970s. The two sides met twice in the African Cup of Nations finals, with each nation splitting the win totals. It was a 1–1 draw in Algeria on 8 October 1993 that enabled Nigeria to claim its first World Cup berth in the 1994 edition of the tournament. Nigeria since then had an undefeated streak against Algeria, until the semi-finals of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations when Algeria prevailed over Nigeria.

Nigeria's western neighbour, Benin, has played competitive matches with the team since the period of European colonisation when they were known as Dahomey. But with only two wins and two draws to Benin's credit against Nigeria's fourteen wins, and with the sides having only met six times since 1980, Benin remains a lightly regarded opponent.

Argentina

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Nigeria starting eleven versus Argentina at the 2018 FIFA World Cup

In five of its six World Cup appearances, Nigeria was drawn in the group stage with three-time champion Argentina and is regarded by many fans as having fairly acquitted themselves against the footballing giant.[72] The fixture is the most common in the competition's history involving an African nation.[73] All five matches have been won by Argentina, but all were by a one-goal margin (2–1 in 1994, 1–0 in 2002, 1–0 in 2010, 3–2 in 2014 and 2–1 in 2018) and have been tightly contested. To date, Nigeria has recorded two wins against Argentina's six, with the victories occurring during friendly matches. Nigeria came close to defeating Argentina in their first meeting, during which they held a lead for some minutes of the match. This was followed by a Confederations Cup match in 1995 which saw Nigeria hold the South Americans to a 0–0 draw. Below full international level, their Olympic teams also faced off in the gold medal match in 1996 (3–2 to Nigeria), and 2008 (1–0 to Argentina). The final of the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship was also played between them; both Argentina goals in their 2–1 win were scored by Lionel Messi, who would go on to find the net for the senior team in the 2014[74] and 2018[75] World Cup fixtures.

The match-up holds some importance to many Nigerian football fans who regard the challenge as an important measuring stick for the development of Nigerian football. Argentine fans for their part, typically do not regard Nigeria as a rival. Although it means less to Argentine fans, matches against Nigeria are always seen as needing to be played with caution.[76][77][78][79]

In the 17 games that the Super Eagles have played against the Bafana Bafana, Nigeria have won seven games, drawn seven and lost two. This record forms the statistical backbone of one of Africa’s most recognizable football rivalries, a matchup shaped by competitive history, political symbolism, and repeated high‑stakes encounters. The rivalry intensified in the late 1990s and early 2000s, when Nigeria eliminated South Africa in the 2000 Africa Cup of Nations. Then, the two sides got drawn into the same group in the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification – CAF second round, with the Nigerians winning each game that round in qualifying. In 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualification Group E, Visitors South Africa stunned Nigeria in the opening game of the qualifiers in Uyo. In the return leg, the Eagles would only manage a draw, but both teams ended up reaching the final tournament in Egypt convincingly over Seychelles national football team and Libya national football team. In the final matchday of 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualification Group A, the Super Eagles needed a win vs. South Africa at home in Uyo to qualify. South Africa went 2-0 up, but Nigeria came back to get a draw via a Sone Aluko brace. Consequently, the defending champions would miss out on the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations. In 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification – CAF Group C, both sides played 1-1 draws in Godswill Akpabio International Stadium and Free State Stadium. South Africa qualified for their first World Cup in 16 years, topping the group with 18 points. Nigeria finished second with 17 points. The Super Eagles ended up making the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification – CAF second round, where they trashed the Gabon national football team 4-1 but lost to the DR Congo national football team on penalties to miss back-to-back World Cups for the first time ever since their debut.

Home stadium

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Abuja home stadium

The Moshood Abiola National Stadium (formerly known as National Stadium, Abuja) serves as the official home stadium of the Super Eagles. Several international matches are played in other stadiums across the country. However, since the construction of Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, most of the Super Eagles' important home matches have been played there.

Super Eagles match venues

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Results and fixtures

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The following is a list of football match results in the last 12 months, as well as any future matches that have been scheduled.

  Win   Draw   Loss   Fixture

2025

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28 May 2025 Unity Cup Nigeria  2–1  Ghana London, England
 Report
Stadium: Gtech Community Stadium
Referee: Stuart Attwell (England)
31 May 2025 Unity Cup Nigeria  2–2
(5–4 p)		  Jamaica London, England
 Report
Stadium: Gtech Community Stadium
Attendance: 17250
Referee: Stuart Attwell (England)
Penalties
6 June Friendly match Russia  1–1  Nigeria Moscow, Russia
20:00 UTC+3
Report
Stadium: Luzhniki Stadium
Attendance: 45638
Referee: Aliyar Aghayev (Azerbaijan)
6 September 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification Nigeria  1–0  Rwanda Uyo, Nigeria
17:00 UTC+1
Report Stadium: Godswill Akpabio International Stadium
Referee: Alhadi Allaou Mahamat (Chad)
9 September 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification South Africa  1–1  Nigeria Blomfontein, South Africa
18:00 UTC+2
Report
Stadium: Free State Stadium
Referee: Pierre Atcho (Gabon)
10 October 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification Lesotho  1–2  Nigeria Polokwane, South Africa
 Report
Stadium: Peter Mokaba Stadium
Referee: Alhadi Allaou Mahamat (Chad)
14 October 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification Nigeria  4–0  Benin Uyo, Nigeria
17:00 UTC+1
Report Stadium: Godswill Akpabio International Stadium
Referee: Amin Omar (Egypt)
13 November 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification Nigeria  4–1 (a.e.t.)  Gabon Rabat, Morocco
 Report Lemina 89' Stadium: Moulay Hassan Stadium
Referee: Abongile Tom (South Africa)
16 December Friendly Egypt  2–1  Nigeria Cairo, Egypt
20:00 UTC+2
Report
Stadium: Cairo International Stadium
Referee: Mahmoud Nagy (Egypt)
23 December 2025 AFCON GS Nigeria  2–1  Tanzania Fez, Morocco
18:30 UTC+1
Report M'Mombwa 50' Stadium: Fez Stadium
Attendance: 11,444
Referee: Dahane Beida (Mauritania)
27 December 2025 AFCON GS Nigeria  3–2  Tunisia Fez, Morocco
21:00 UTC+1
Report
Stadium: Fez Stadium
Attendance: 25,544
Referee: Boubou Traore (Mali)
30 December 2025 AFCON GS Uganda  1–3  Nigeria Fez, Morocco
17:00 UTC+1
Report
Stadium: Fez Stadium
Attendance: 11,545
Referee: Djindo Louis Houngnandande (Benin)

2026

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5 January 2025 AFCON R16 Nigeria  4–0  Mozambique Fez, Morocco
20:00 UTC+1
Report Stadium: Fez Stadium
Attendance: 14,593
Referee: Abdou Abdel Mefire (Cameroon)
10 January 2025 AFCON QF Algeria  0–2  Nigeria Marrakesh, Morocco
17:00 UTC+1 Report
Stadium: Marrakesh Stadium
Attendance: 32,452
Referee: Issa Sy (Senegal)
27 March 2026 Jordan International Tournament Iran  1–2  Nigeria Antalya, Turkey[a]
16:00 UTC+3
Report
Stadium: Corendon Airlines Park
Attendance: 0
Referee: Cihan Aydın (Turkey)
31 March 2026 Jordan International Tournament Jordan  2–2  Nigeria Antalya, Turkey[a]
20:30 UTC+3
Report
Stadium: Mardan Sports Complex
Attendance: 0
Referee: Atilla Karaoğlan (Turkey)
26 May 2026 Unity Cup Nigeria  2–0  Zimbabwe London, England
19:30 UTC+1
Report Stadium: The Valley
Referee: John Brooks (England)
30 May 2026 Unity Cup Nigeria  3–0  Jamaica London, England
 Stadium: The Valley
3 June Friendly Poland  2–2  Nigeria Warsaw, Poland
20:45 CEST (UTC+2)
Report
Stadium: Stadion Narodowy
Attendance: 54,408
Referee: Marian Barbu (Romanian Football Federation)

Coaching staff

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The current Nigerian (Super Eagles) managerial staff is made up of a technical adviser who serves as the coach in charge of full international matches and a chief coach who serves as the first assistant coach. The second assistant coach is in charge of the home-based team as well as the CHAN tournament and other home based competitions. Other positions also include the technical assistant and the goalkeeper trainer.

Position Name
Technical director Nigeria Augustine Eguavoen
Head coach Mali Éric Chelle
Assistant coach France Hedi Taboubi
Assistant coach Nigeria Fidelis Ilechuku
Assistant coach Nigeria Daniel Ogunmodede
Goalkeeping coach France Jean-Daniel Padovani
Fitness coach Slovenia Tomaž Zorec
Video analyst Nigeria Afolabi Adebayo
Match analyst Nigeria Eboboritse Uwejamomere

Coaching history

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Caretaker managers are listed in italics.

Players

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Current squad

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The following players were called up for the friendlies against Poland and Portugal on 3 and 11 June 2026; respectively.[84]
Caps and goals correct as of 3 June 2026, after the match against Poland.

No. Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club
1 1GK Francis Uzoho (1998-10-28) 28 October 1998 (age 27) 37 0 Cyprus Football Association Omonia
16 1GK Arthur Okonkwo (2001-09-09) 9 September 2001 (age 24) 2 0 Football Association of Wales Wrexham
23 1GK Maduka Okoye (1999-08-28) 28 August 1999 (age 26) 20 0 Italian Football Federation Udinese
3 2DF Zaidu Sanusi (1997-06-13) 13 June 1997 (age 28) 31 0 Portuguese Football Federation Porto
5 2DF Igoh Ogbu (2000-02-08) 8 February 2000 (age 26) 12 0 Football Association of the Czech Republic Slavia Prague
6 2DF Semi Ajayi (1993-11-09) 9 November 1993 (age 32) 55 2 The Football Association Hull City
13 2DF Bruno Onyemaechi (1999-04-03) 3 April 1999 (age 27) 29 0 Hellenic Football Federation Olympiacos
18 2DF Emmanuel Fernandez (2001-11-20) 20 November 2001 (age 24) 3 1 Scottish Football Association Rangers
21 2DF Calvin Bassey (1999-12-31) 31 December 1999 (age 26) 44 1 The Football Association Fulham
2DF Bright Osayi-Samuel (1997-12-31) 31 December 1997 (age 28) 34 0 The Football Association Birmingham City
2 3MF Abdullahi Bewene (2004-11-29) 29 November 2004 (age 21) 1 0 Football Association of the Czech Republic Baník Ostrava
4 3MF Wilfred Ndidi (1996-12-16) 16 December 1996 (age 29) 78 1 Turkish Football Federation Beşiktaş
7 3MF Philip Otele (1999-04-15) 15 April 1999 (age 27) 4 0 German Football Association Hamburger SV
8 3MF Frank Onyeka (1998-01-01) 1 January 1998 (age 28) 44 3 The Football Association Coventry City
10 3MF Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (2001-02-06) 6 February 2001 (age 25) 18 2 Italian Football Federation Lazio
12 3MF Tochukwu Nnadi (2003-06-30) 30 June 2003 (age 22) 4 0 French Football Federation Marseille
20 3MF Raphael Onyedika (2001-04-19) 19 April 2001 (age 25) 25 3 Royal Belgian Football Association Club Brugge
3MF Alex Iwobi (1996-05-03) 3 May 1996 (age 30) 99 10 The Football Association Fulham
3MF Samuel Chukwueze (1999-05-22) 22 May 1999 (age 27) 58 7 The Football Association Fulham
3MF Alhassan Yusuf (2000-07-18) 18 July 2000 (age 25) 10 2 United States Soccer Federation New England Revolution
9 4FW Terem Moffi (1999-05-25) 25 May 1999 (age 27) 22 6 Portuguese Football Federation Porto
14 4FW Rafiu Durosinmi (2003-01-01) 1 January 2003 (age 23) 3 0 Italian Football Federation Pisa
15 4FW Moses Simon (1995-07-12) 12 July 1995 (age 30) 97 12 French Football Federation Paris
19 4FW Paul Onuachu (1994-05-28) 28 May 1994 (age 32) 33 5 Turkish Football Federation Trabzonspor
22 4FW Akor Adams (2000-01-29) 29 January 2000 (age 26) 14 5 Royal Spanish Football Federation Sevilla
4FW Owen Oseni (2003-05-07) 7 May 2003 (age 23) 1 0 The Football Association Plymouth Argyle

Recent call-ups

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The following players have also been called up to the Nigeria squad within the last twelve months.

Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club Latest call-up
GK Michael Atata (2005-10-23) 23 October 2005 (age 20) 0 0 Nigeria Ikorodu City 2026 Unity Cup, 26–30 May 2026
GK Adebayo Adeleye (2000-05-17) 17 May 2000 (age 26) 2 0 Cyprus Enosis Neon Paralimni v.  Jordan, 31 March 2026
GK Stanley Nwabali (1996-06-10) 10 June 1996 (age 29) 34 0 Unattached 2025 Africa Cup of Nations
GK Amas Obasogie (1999-12-27) 27 December 1999 (age 26) 1 0 Tanzania Singida Black Stars 2025 Africa Cup of Nations
GK Ebenezer Harcourt (2009-10-21) 21 October 2009 (age 16) 1 0 Nigeria Sporting Lagos 2025 Africa Cup of Nations PRE
DF Chibuike Nwaiwu (2003-07-23) 23 July 2003 (age 22) 3 0 Turkey Trabzonspor 2026 Unity Cup, 26–30 May 2026
DF Kenneth Igboke (2005-07-27) 27 July 2005 (age 20) 2 0 Nigeria Enugu Rangers 2026 Unity Cup, 26–30 May 2026
DF Chibueze Oputa (2005-10-17) 17 October 2005 (age 20) 2 0 Nigeria Enugu Rangers 2026 Unity Cup, 26–30 May 2026
DF Tijani Al-Ameen Unknown 1 0 Nigeria Shooting Stars 2026 Unity Cup, 26–30 May 2026
DF Elias Ochobi Unknown 0 0 Nigeria Rivers United 2026 Unity Cup, 26–30 May 2026
DF Chidozie Awaziem (1997-01-01) 1 January 1997 (age 29) 40 2 France Nantes 2025 Africa Cup of Nations
DF Ryan Alebiosu (2001-12-17) 17 December 2001 (age 24) 1 0 England Blackburn Rovers 2025 Africa Cup of Nations
DF William Troost-Ekong RET (1993-09-01) 1 September 1993 (age 32) 82 8 Qatar Al-Ahli 2025 Africa Cup of Nations PRE
DF Ola Aina (1996-10-08) 8 October 1996 (age 29) 48 0 England Nottingham Forest 2025 Africa Cup of Nations PRE / INJ
DF Olakunle Olusegun (2002-04-23) 23 April 2002 (age 24) 2 0 Russia Pari Nizhny Novgorod 2025 Africa Cup of Nations PRE
DF Adeleke Adekunle (2002-07-27) 27 July 2002 (age 23) 1 0 Nigeria Abia Warriors 2025 Africa Cup of Nations PRE
DF Felix Agu (1999-09-27) 27 September 1999 (age 26) 1 0 Germany Werder Bremen 2025 Africa Cup of Nations PRE
DF Emmanuel Michael (2006-06-16) 16 June 2006 (age 19) 0 0 Austria LASK 2025 Africa Cup of Nations PRE
DF Benjamin Fredrick (2005-05-28) 28 May 2005 (age 21) 7 0 Belgium Dender v.  DR Congo, 16 November 2025
DF Sodiq Ismail (2003-08-13) 13 August 2003 (age 22) 2 0 Slovenia Primorje v.  Russia, 6 June 2025
DF Ifeanyi Onyebuchi (2000-04-04) 4 April 2000 (age 26) 1 0 Nigeria Rangers International v.  Russia, 6 June 2025
DF Nduka Junior (2003-08-01) 1 August 2003 (age 22) 0 0 Iraq Al-Najaf v.  Russia, 6 June 2025
DF Waliu Ojetoye (2004-04-29) 29 April 2004 (age 22) 0 0 Czech Republic Sellier & Bellot Vlašim v.  Russia, 6 June 2025
MF Samson Tijani (2002-05-17) 17 May 2002 (age 24) 3 0 Czech Republic Dukla Prague 2026 Unity Cup, 26–30 May 2026
MF Aderemi Adeoye (2007-01-29) 29 January 2007 (age 19) 2 0 Nigeria Ikorodu City 2026 Unity Cup, 26–30 May 2026
MF Tosin Oyedokun (2002-07-23) 23 July 2002 (age 23) 2 0 Nigeria Ikorodu City 2026 Unity Cup, 26–30 May 2026
MF Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (2004-11-25) 25 November 2004 (age 21) 1 0 Italy Pisa 2026 Unity Cup, 26–30 May 2026
MF Ayobami Junior (1998-12-24) 24 December 1998 (age 27) 1 0 Nigeria Shooting Stars 2026 Unity Cup, 26–30 May 2026
MF Zadok Yohanna (2007-06-29) 29 June 2007 (age 18) 0 0 Sweden AIK 2026 Unity Cup, 26–30 May 2026
MF Chidera Ejuke (1998-01-02) 2 January 1998 (age 28) 14 1 Spain Sevilla v.  Jordan, 31 March 2026
MF Yira Sor (2000-07-24) 24 July 2000 (age 25) 1 0 Belgium Genk v.  Jordan, 31 March 2026
MF Muhammed Usman (1994-03-02) 2 March 1994 (age 32) 0 0 Israel Ironi Tiberias 2025 Africa Cup of Nations
MF Peter Agba (2002-12-20) 20 December 2002 (age 23) 0 0 Israel Maccabi Haifa 2025 Africa Cup of Nations PRE
MF Tom Dele-Bashiru (1999-09-17) 17 September 1999 (age 26) 0 0 Turkey Gençlerbirliği 2025 Africa Cup of Nations PRE
MF Ahmed Musa (1992-10-14) 14 October 1992 (age 33) 110 16 Nigeria Kano Pillars v.  Russia, 6 June 2025
MF Papa Daniel (2002-01-01) 1 January 2002 (age 24) 1 0 Slovenia Celje v.  Russia, 6 June 2025
MF Chinemerem Ugwueze (2001-05-20) 20 May 2001 (age 25) 1 0 Nigeria Plateau United v.  Russia, 6 June 2025
MF Saviour Isaac (2002-01-01) 1 January 2002 (age 24) 0 0 Egypt Al Ittihad Alexandria v.  Russia, 6 June 2025
FW Victor Osimhen (1998-12-29) 29 December 1998 (age 27) 52 35 Turkey Galatasaray v.  Poland, 3 June 2026 WD
FW Ademola Lookman (1997-10-20) 20 October 1997 (age 28) 43 11 Spain Atlético Madrid v.  Poland, 3 June 2026 WD
FW Femi Azeez (2001-06-05) 5 June 2001 (age 25) 2 2 England Millwall 2026 Unity Cup, 26–30 May 2026
FW Cyriel Dessers (1994-12-08) 8 December 1994 (age 31) 11 3 Greece Panathinaikos 2025 Africa Cup of Nations
FW Salim Fago Lawal (2003-01-15) 15 January 2003 (age 23) 2 0 Czech Republic Viktoria Plzeň 2025 Africa Cup of Nations
FW Kelechi Iheanacho (1996-10-03) 3 October 1996 (age 29) 58 14 Scotland Celtic 2025 Africa Cup of Nations PRE
FW Umar Sadiq (1997-02-02) 2 February 1997 (age 29) 12 1 Spain Valencia 2025 Africa Cup of Nations PRE
FW Victor Boniface (2000-12-23) 23 December 2000 (age 25) 12 0 Germany Werder Bremen 2025 Africa Cup of Nations PRE / INJ
FW Tolu Arokodare (2000-11-23) 23 November 2000 (age 25) 10 2 England Wolverhampton Wanderers 2025 Africa Cup of Nations PRE
FW Taiwo Awoniyi (1997-08-12) 12 August 1997 (age 28) 10 2 England Nottingham Forest 2025 Africa Cup of Nations PRE
FW Christantus Uche (2003-05-19) 19 May 2003 (age 23) 3 0 England Crystal Palace 2025 Africa Cup of Nations PRE
FW Chisom Orji (2001-04-05) 5 April 2001 (age 25) 1 0 Nigeria Warri Wolves 2025 Africa Cup of Nations PRE
FW Nathan Tella (1999-07-05) 5 July 1999 (age 26) 1 0 Germany Bayer Leverkusen 2025 Africa Cup of Nations PRE
FW Abdulrasheed Shehu Dabai (2006-03-21) 21 March 2006 (age 20) 0 0 Nigeria Niger Tornadoes 2025 Africa Cup of Nations PRE
FW Chukwubuikem Ikwuemesi (2001-08-05) 5 August 2001 (age 24) 0 0 Belgium Oud-Heverlee Leuven 2025 Africa Cup of Nations PRE
FW Ekeson Okorie (2004-05-28) 28 May 2004 (age 22) 0 0 Rwanda Police 2025 Africa Cup of Nations PRE
FW Sikiru Alimi (1996-03-23) 23 March 1996 (age 30) 1 0 Algeria JS Saoura v.  Russia, 6 June 2025

INJ The player is not part of the current squad due to injury
PRE Preliminary squad/standby
RET Retired from the national team
SUS Serving suspension
WD Player withdrew from the squad due to non-injury issue.

Player records

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As of 3 June 2026[85]
Statistics include official FIFA-recognised matches only.
Players in bold are still active with Nigeria.

Most appearances

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Ahmed Musa is Nigeria's most capped player with 111 appearances.
Rank Player Caps Goals Career
1 Ahmed Musa[b] 109 16 2010–2025
2 Vincent Enyeama 101 0 2002–2015
Joseph Yobo 101 7 2001–2014
4 Alex Iwobi[c] 99 10 2015–present
5 Moses Simon 97 12 2015–present
6 Mikel John Obi 91 6 2005–2019
7 Mudashiru Lawal 86 11 1975–1985
Nwankwo Kanu 86 12 1994–2011
9 William Troost-Ekong[c] 82 8 2015–2025
10 Wilfred Ndidi[c] 78 1 2015–present

Top goalscorers

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Rank Player Goals Caps Ratio Career
1 Rashidi Yekini 37 62 0.6 1983–1998
2 Victor Osimhen[c] 35 51 0.69 2017–present
3 Segun Odegbami 22 47 0.47 1976–1981
4 Yakubu Aigyegbeni 21 58 0.36 2000–2012
5 Ikechukwu Uche 19 46 0.41 2007–2014
6 Obafemi Martins 18 42 0.43 2004–2015
7 Sunday Oyarekhua 17 28 0.61 1971–1976
Samson Siasia 17 49 0.35 1984–1998
9 Odion Ighalo 16 37 0.43 2015–2022
Ahmed Musa[b] 16 110 0.15 2010–2025
  1. 1 2 The four nation tournament between Jordan, Iran, Nigeria, and Costa Rica were moved from Amman, Jordan to Antalya, Turkey due to the travel restrictions from the 2026 Iran war.[83]
  2. 1 2 Musa also appeared in one match against Togo in 2017, scoring two goals, however Nigeria made nine substitutions during this match, and therefore it is not recognised as an official match by FIFA.
  3. 1 2 3 4 Also appeared in one match against Togo in 2017, however Nigeria made nine substitutions during this match, and therefore it is not recognised as an official match by FIFA.

Competitive record

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FIFA World Cup

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FIFA World Cup record Qualification record
Year Round Position Pld W D L GF GA Squad Pld W D L GF GA Total
Uruguay 1930 Part of United Kingdom Part of United Kingdom
1934 to 1958 Not a FIFA member Not a FIFA member
Chile 1962 Did not qualify 2 0 1 1 3 6 1962
England 1966 Withdrew[n 1][86] Withdrew
Mexico 1970 Did not qualify 8 3 4 1 15 12 1970
West Germany 1974 4 1 2 1 3 4 1974
Argentina 1978 8 3 3 2 17 8 1978
Spain 1982 8 3 2 3 8 8 1982
Mexico 1986 6 5 0 1 11 3 1986
Italy 1990 6 3 1 2 7 5 1990
United States 1994 Round of 16 9th 4 2 0 2 7 4 Squad 8 5 2 1 17 5 1994
France 1998 12th 4 2 0 2 6 9 Squad 6 4 1 1 10 4 1998
South Korea Japan 2002 Group stage 27th 3 0 1 2 1 3 Squad 10 6 2 2 19 3 2002
Germany 2006 Did not qualify 10 6 3 1 21 7 2006
South Africa 2010 Group stage 27th 3 0 1 2 3 5 Squad 12 9 3 0 20 5 2010
Brazil 2014 Round of 16 16th 4 1 1 2 3 5 Squad 8 5 3 0 11 4 2014
Russia 2018 Group stage 21st 3 1 0 2 3 4 Squad 8 5 2 1 13 6 2018
Qatar 2022 Did not qualify 8 4 3 1 10 4 2022
Canada Mexico United States 2026 12 5 6 1 20 10 2026
Morocco Portugal Spain 2030 To be determined To be determined
Saudi Arabia 2034
Total Round of 16 6/16 21 6 3 12 23 30 — 124 67 38 19 205 94 –
Notes
  1. ↑ All African nations withdrew due to a lack of qualifying berths.

Africa Cup of Nations

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Africa Cup of Nations record Qualification record
Year Round Position Pld W D* L GF GA Squad Pld W D* L GF GA
Sudan 1957Not affiliated to CAF Not affiliated to CAF
United Arab Republic 1959
Ethiopia 1962Withdrew 412145
Ghana 1963Group stage6th2002310Squad 201123
Tunisia 1965Withdrew Withdrew
Ethiopia 1968Did not qualify 411245
Sudan 1970Withdrew Withdrew
Cameroon 1972Did not qualify 201112
Egypt 1974 421179
Ethiopia 1976Third place3rd63121110Squad 220031
Ghana 1978522185Squad 421174
Nigeria 1980 Champions 1st 5 4 1 0 8 1 Squad Qualified as hosts
Libya 1982Group stage6th310245Squad Qualified as holders
Ivory Coast 1984 Runners-up 2nd 5 1 3 1 7 8 Squad 412121
Egypt 1986Did not qualify 201101
Morocco 1988 Runners-up 2nd 5 1 3 1 5 3 Squad 421163
Algeria 1990 Runners-up 5 3 0 2 5 6 Squad 422082
Senegal 1992Third place3rd540185Squad 8431153
Tunisia 1994 Champions 1st 5 3 2 0 9 3 Squad 6321121
South Africa 1996Withdrew Qualified as holders
Burkina Faso 1998Banned Banned
Ghana Nigeria 2000 Runners-up 2nd 6 4 2 0 12 5 Squad Qualified as hosts
Mali 2002Third place3rd641152Squad 642091
Tunisia 20046411115Squad 422073
Egypt 2006641173Squad 10631217
Ghana 2008Quarter-finals7th411233Squad 6501103
Angola 2010Third place3rd631264Squad 12930205
Equatorial Guinea Gabon 2012Did not qualify 6321125
South Africa 2013 Champions 1st 6 4 2 0 11 4 Squad 4220103
Equatorial Guinea 2015Did not qualify 622297
Gabon 2017 412122
Egypt 2019Third place3rd750297Squad 6411146
Cameroon 2021Round of 169th430162Squad 6420147
Ivory Coast 2023Runners-up2nd742184Squad 6501224
Morocco 2025Third place 3rd 7 5 2 0 14 4 Squad 632193
Kenya Tanzania Uganda 2027 To be determined To be determined
2028
Total3 Titles21/3511063242316099— 13270412123096
*Denotes draws including knockout matches decided via a penalty shoot-out.
**Red border colour indicates tournament was held on home soil.

African Nations Championship

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African Nations Championship record
Year Round Position Pld W D* L GF GA
Ivory Coast 2009 Did not qualify
Sudan 2011
South Africa 2014 3rd place 3rd 6 4 1 1 12 8 2 1 0 1 4 3 Rwanda 2016Group stage10th311153
Morocco 2018Runners-up2nd641176
Cameroon 2020 Did not qualify
Algeria 2022
Uganda 2024Group stage3rd321084'
Total Runners-up3/7158432417

WAFU Nations Cup

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WAFU Nations Cup record
Year Round Position Pld W D L GF GA
Nigeria 2010Champions1st550014
Nigeria 2011Runners-up2nd41009
Ghana 2013 Did not enter
Ghana 2017Runners-up2nd41009
Senegal 2019 Quarter-finals
Total1 Title3/413700329

FIFA Confederations Cup

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FIFA Confederations Cup record
Year Round Position Pld W D* L GF GA Squad
Saudi Arabia 1992 Did not qualify
Saudi Arabia 1995 Fourth place 4th 3 1 2 0 4 1 Squad
Saudi Arabia 1997 Did not qualify
Mexico 1999
South Korea Japan 2001
France 2003
Germany 2005
South Africa 2009
Brazil 2013 Group stage 5th 3 1 0 2 7 6 Squad
Russia 2017 Did not qualify
Total Fourth place 2/10 6 2 2 2 11 7 -

Honours

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Intercontinental

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Continental

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Regional

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Friendly

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Awards

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Summary

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Competition1st place, gold medalist(s)2nd place, silver medalist(s)3rd place, bronze medalist(s)Total
CAF African Cup of Nations 35917
CAF African Nations Championship 0112
Afro-Asian Cup of Nations 1001
Total46919
Notes
  1. Competition organized by ANOCA, officially not recognized by FIFA.

See also

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Notes

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  1. ↑ Hausa: Ƙungiyar ƙwallon ƙafar Najeriya, Igbo: Otu egwuregwu bọọlụ Naịjirịa na, Yoruba: Ẹgbẹ́ agbábọ́ọ̀lù-ẹlẹ́sẹ̀ ọmọorílẹ̀-èdè Nàìjíríà

References

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Specific
  1. ↑ "The FIFA/Coca-Cola Men's World Ranking". 1 April 2026. Retrieved 1 April 2026.
  2. ↑ Ogunwale, Joba (10 February 2021). "On This Day In 2013 The Super Eagles Made History - Soccernet NG". Soccernet. Retrieved 5 July 2024.
  3. ↑ Akpabot 1985, p. 16.
  4. ↑ "1949 FA NEWS BULLETIN CHANGES ATTENDANCE RECORD FOR MARINE". Marine A.F.C. – via www.pitchero.com.
  5. ↑ Akpabot 1985, p. 11–13.
  6. ↑ "Behold! Nigeria Football's October 8 Magic - Sports Village Square". 8 October 2024.
  7. ↑ "Today in History: Black Stars dominate Africa with 1963 AFCON win - MyJoyOnline".
  8. 1 2 Coffey, Jonny (3 January 2024). "AFCON Archives Nigeria: How the Super Eagles started soaring".
  9. ↑ "GOLD AWAITS NIGERIA OR ARGENTINA IN MEN'S OLYMPIC FOOTBALL". 19 August 2008. Archived from the original on 27 November 2021. Retrieved 27 November 2021.
  10. ↑ Mather, Victor (22 August 2008). "FINAL Argentina 1 – Nigeria 0, Gold Medal Men's Soccer". Archived from the original on 27 November 2021. Retrieved 27 November 2021.
  11. ↑ "Nigeria v Cameroon: Picture gallery". BBC News. Archived from the original on 14 June 2021. Retrieved 14 June 2021.
  12. ↑ "Cameroon are Kings of Africa". bbc.co.uk. Archived from the original on 4 August 2020. Retrieved 4 July 2017.
  13. ↑ "Nigeria". gamji.com. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 14 November 2016.
  14. ↑ "Kenya 2–3 Nigeria". ESPN. 14 November 2009. Archived from the original on 16 November 2009. Retrieved 14 November 2009.
  15. ↑ "Argentina 1–0 Nigeria". BBC. Archived from the original on 22 August 2019. Retrieved 14 June 2010.
  16. ↑ "Argentina vs. Nigeria: Argentina wins, now faces a strong South Korea". The Christian Science Monitor. 12 June 2010. ISSN 0882-7729. Archived from the original on 19 October 2017. Retrieved 18 October 2017.
  17. ↑ "Nigeria president suspends team". BBC Sport. 30 June 2010. Archived from the original on 30 June 2010. Retrieved 30 June 2010.
  18. ↑ Adigun, Bashir; Gambrell, Jon (30 June 2010). "Nigeria's president suspends soccer team". USA Today. Archived from the original on 3 July 2010. Retrieved 30 June 2010.
  19. ↑ "Nigerian government rescinds ban". ESPN Soccernet. 5 July 2010. Archived from the original on 8 July 2010. Retrieved 7 July 2010.
  20. 1 2 "Fifa issues world ban to Nigeria". BBC News. 4 October 2010. Archived from the original on 15 August 2017. Retrieved 5 October 2010.
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  22. ↑ "Big names miss out on 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualification". CNN. 8 October 2011. Retrieved 12 March 2025.
  23. ↑ Ajom, Jacob (13 October 2012). "AFCON 2013: How Eagles rout Liberia 6-1 to qualify". Vanguard. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 12 March 2025.
  24. ↑ "Africa Cup of Nations 2013 final: Nigeria 1-0 Burkina Faso". BBC Sport. 9 February 2013. Retrieved 12 March 2025.
  25. ↑ "Afcon 2017: Nigeria fail to qualify after defeat by Egypt". BBC Sport. 29 March 2016. Archived from the original on 30 March 2016. Retrieved 30 March 2016.
  26. ↑ Roche, C.; Dunne, Robbie (8 October 2017). "Nigeria vs Zambia World Cup: Nigeria book their place in the World Cup". Diario AS. Archived from the original on 17 June 2018. Retrieved 17 June 2018.
  27. ↑ "FULL-TIME: Nigeria vs Algeria 3 -1". Vanguard. Lagos, Nigeria. 12 November 2016. Archived from the original on 17 June 2018. Retrieved 17 June 2018.
  28. ↑ Eludini, Tunde (4 September 2017). "Cameroon Vs. Nigeria Live Updates: Super Eagles, Lions Fight In Yaoundé". Premium Times. Archived from the original on 17 June 2018. Retrieved 17 June 2018.
  29. ↑ "How Nigeria vs Algeria sparked MMM trend". Vanguard. Lagos, Nigeria. 13 November 2016. Archived from the original on 14 November 2016. Retrieved 14 November 2016.
  30. ↑ "2018 FIFA World Cup Russia – Matches – Nigeria-Algeria". FIFA. 12 November 2016. Archived from the original on 15 November 2016. Retrieved 14 November 2016.
  31. ↑ Babarinsa, Olusola (12 November 2016). "Moses, Mikel lead Nigeria past Algeria". The Punch. Archived from the original on 14 November 2016. Retrieved 14 November 2016.
  32. ↑ Udoh, Colin (3 June 2018). "Super Eagles drop Aina, Agu from World Cup squad". ESPN. Archived from the original on 12 June 2018. Retrieved 3 June 2018.
  33. ↑ Abayomi, Tosin (16 June 2018). "Jerseys don't win matches, Twitter trolls Super Eagles after Croatia defeat". Pulse Nigeria. Archived from the original on 17 June 2018. Retrieved 17 June 2018.
  34. ↑ Udoh, Colin (22 June 2018). "3 Takeaways from Nigeria's win over Iceland". ESPN. Archived from the original on 23 June 2018. Retrieved 23 June 2018.
  35. ↑ Pylas, Pan (22 June 2018). "World Cup 2018: Ahmed Musa scores twice to give Nigeria 2–0 win over Iceland". Stuff (company). Staff Limited. Archived from the original on 23 June 2018. Retrieved 23 June 2018.
  36. ↑ "Nigeria lost to experienced Argentine side – Rohr". Vanguard. Lagos, Nigeria. 27 June 2018. Archived from the original on 27 June 2018. Retrieved 27 June 2018.
  37. ↑ Potts, Michael (26 June 2018). "Victor Moses: Chelsea fans compare Nigeria star to Eden Hazard after penalty vs Argentina". Daily Express. Express Newspapers. Archived from the original on 27 June 2018. Retrieved 27 June 2018.
  38. ↑ "World Cup 2018: Nigeria eliminated by late Argentina strike". Africa News. 26 June 2018. Archived from the original on 28 June 2018. Retrieved 28 June 2018.
  39. ↑ "Coronavirus, CAF Postpones AFCON Qualifiers". goal.com. Archived from the original on 14 March 2020. Retrieved 30 April 2020.
  40. ↑ "Africa Cup of Nations postponed from January next year to 2022". France 24. 30 June 2020. Archived from the original on 23 January 2022. Retrieved 23 January 2022.
  41. ↑ "Cameroon 2021 qualifiers resume November, Qatar 2022 set for May 2021". CAF. Archived from the original on 13 September 2020. Retrieved 23 January 2022.
  42. ↑ "Qualified teams to Total Africa Cup of Nations, Cameroon 2021". CAF. Archived from the original on 23 January 2022. Retrieved 23 January 2022.
  43. ↑ "Africa Cup of Nations – AFCON daily: Nigeria secure perfect group stage record, Egypt qualify for last 16". France 24. 19 January 2022. Archived from the original on 23 January 2022. Retrieved 23 January 2022.
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  46. ↑ "Portugal vs Nigeria". footballcoal.com. Archived from the original on 17 November 2022. Retrieved 17 November 2022.
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  48. 1 2 "Nigeria, Ghana and the genesis of a rivalry". 22 November 2012. Retrieved 11 November 2016.
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  51. 1 2 Odunsi, Wale (6 December 2014). "AFCON fallout: Nigeria loses Adidas kit sponsor". Daily Post. Lagos, Nigeria. Archived from the original on 31 March 2022. Retrieved 30 March 2022.
  52. ↑ Tansley, Eduardo (17 June 2025). "How Nigeria's 2018 shirt became the holy grail of modern football kit releases". The New York Times. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
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Bibliography
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