FIFA Relives Super Eagles 1994 Classic Against Roberto Baggio’s Italy

One of the most iconic matches of the 15th edition of the FIFA World Cup takes centre stage as the world football governing body cast a look back at Nigeria’s second-round matchup against the European heavyweights, Soccernet.ng reports. 

The Fédération Internationale de Football Association, FIFA, has taken to their official website to relive the enthralling encounter between then-African champions Super Eagles and Italy.

Fans have voted Nigeria’s Round of 16 match against the three-time world champions among the World Cup’s most iconic games, says FIFA as part of its #WorldCupAtHome campaign. 

Appearing as one of three teams – the others being Saudi Arabia and Greece – making their debuts at the global showpiece, Nigeria stunned the world with a 3-0 defeat of a Hristo Stoichkov-inspired Bulgaria in their opening group match.

A 2-0 victory over Greece in the last group game sent Clemens Westerhoff’s men top of Group D, despite losing 2-1 to Diego Maradona’s Argentina on matchday two.

Securing a knockout round spot in their first-ever appearance at the tournament was already an exceptional achievement, but Nigeria’s dynamic style threatened to take them further into the latter rounds. 

But Italy, powered on by their star forward Roberto Baggio, ambushed the Africans in a second-round tie that would live forever in memories.

Having qualified as Group E’s third-placed team, the Azzurri started on the back foot in that Round of 16 tie and fell behind to an Emmanuel Amuneke strike in the 15th minute.

With a quarterfinals ticket moments within the Super Eagles’ reach, a momentary loss of concentration allowed Baggio to steal in and equalize.

Late in the first half of extra time, the Italian playmaker scored again with a penalty kick to break Nigerian hearts and send Italy through.

This post was last modified on %s = human-readable time difference 4:01 pm

Imhons Erons

Share
Published by
Imhons Erons

Recent Posts

Report: Trabzonspor revive interest in Nigerian forward amid Besiktas and Genk links

Turkish Super Lig side Trabzonspor have reignited their pursuit of Paul Onuachu, seeking to secure… Read More

2 minutes ago

Nigeria: Edo Queens miss out on bronze as FC Masar prevail in CAF Champions League shootout

Edo Queens’ hopes of a podium finish at the 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League ended… Read More

20 minutes ago

WAFCON 2024: Super Falcons drawn with Tunisia, Algeria, and Botswana in Group B

Nigeria have been placed in Group B for the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations… Read More

47 minutes ago

Like Didier Drogba warned, Nigerian starlet Moses Jerry beaten by fake Serbian football agent — The Full story

Many young football stars around the world have fallen victim to fake football agents who… Read More

52 minutes ago

Watch: Chukwueze infects Rafael Leao with Wizkid fever as he vibes to ‘Kese’

AC Milan star Rafael Leao was recently seen vibing to Kese, Wizkid’s latest track, introduced… Read More

10 hours ago

“He can still play this year” – Boniface’s boss Alonso offers hope amid speculation of year-ending injury

Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso has provided an update on Nigerian striker Victor Boniface’s injury,… Read More

16 hours ago