Nigeria: Rwanda, Bulgaria, Scotland & the top 10 nations that have failed to defeat Super Eagles in football history

Nigeria’s Super Eagles are one of Africa’s most successful national teams, with three Africa Cup of Nations titles and six World Cup appearances to their name.

Over the years, they have claimed some important and memorable victories against top footballing nations, including Argentina, Iceland, Japan, and Egypt.

Even more impressive is Nigeria’s unbeaten record against several other footballing nations.

Here, Soccernet.ng highlights ten notable countries that have never managed to defeat the Super Eagles.

10. Iran: 2 games, 1 win, 1 draw

Nigeria and Iran have only met twice. The Super Eagles secured a 1-0 win in their first encounter at the Carlsberg Cup in Hong Kong, ahead of the 1998 World Cup, with Garba Ahmad scoring the decisive goal.

The second meeting came during the 2014 World Cup group stage, where both teams played out a goalless draw.

9. Scotland: 2 games, 1 win, 1 draw

Despite Scotland’s deep footballing history, they have yet to claim a win against Nigeria.

In April 2002, Nigeria won 2-1, with Julius Aghahowa scoring twice to cancel out Christian Dailly’s opener at Pittodrie Stadium in Aberdeen.

Their second meeting in 2014 ended in a 2-2 draw, with Uche Nwofor’s 90th-minute goal rescuing Nigeria at Craven Cottage.

8. Bulgaria: 2 games, 2 wins

Bulgaria fell to Nigeria twice at the World Cup. In 1994, Nigeria’s debut in the tournament ended in a 3-0 thrashing of Bulgaria, with Rashidi Yekini famously celebrating the first-ever Super Eagles goal at a World Cup.

Four years later, Victor Ikpeba’s strike secured a 1-0 win at the 1998 World Cup, maintaining Nigeria’s perfect record against the Bulgarians.

7. Venezuela: 3 games, 3 wins

Though Nigeria and Venezuela have never met in competitive fixtures, the Super Eagles have dominated their friendly encounters.

The first match, held in Caracas in 1983, saw Nigeria win 3-1. In 2003, Austin Okocha scored the only goal in a 1-0 win at Vicarage Road, and Nigeria repeated their 3-1 success in 2012.

6. Republic of Ireland: 3 games, 2 wins, 1 draw

The Republic of Ireland are still searching for their first win over Nigeria.

The Super Eagles won their first encounter 2-1 in 2002, and followed it up with a 3-0 victory at the Unity Cup in 2003, with Bart Ogbeche scoring twice and Obafemi Martins adding a third. Their most recent meeting ended in a 1-1 draw.

5. Rwanda: 5 games, 2 wins, 3 draws

Despite their underdog status, Rwanda has held Nigeria to three draws, including a 1-1 result during the 2006 World Cup qualifiers.

However, the Super Eagles have triumphed twice, both by 2-0 scorelines, in 2004 and 2012.

4. Tanzania: 8 games, 5 wins, 3 draws

Tanzania has struggled against Nigeria since their first encounter in 1972.

Nigeria secured their first win over the East Africans in 1973 at the All-Africa Games, and in their last meeting in 2016, Kelechi Iheanacho scored the winning goal in a 1-0 victory during an AFCON qualifier.

3. Malawi: 8 games, 6 wins, 2 draws

Malawi, two-time COSAFA Cup runners-up, have yet to defeat Nigeria in eight attempts.

Their first meeting at the 1978 African Games ended in a 3-2 win for Nigeria, while their latest clash, a 2013 World Cup qualifier, saw Emmanuel Emenike and Victor Moses (penalty) seal a 2-0 victory for the Super Eagles.

2. Burkina Faso: 13 games, 7 wins, 6 draws

Burkina Faso has yet to overcome Nigeria in 13 meetings.

The Super Eagles have won seven matches and drawn six, with their most notable victory being a 1-0 win in the 2013 AFCON final.

Nigeria’s largest margin of victory came in 1991 when they defeated Burkina Faso 7-1 in an AFCON qualifier, with Rashidi Yekini scoring four goals.

 

1. Kenya: 14 games, 12 wins, 2 draws

Kenya holds the unwanted record of being the team to have faced Nigeria the most without securing a victory.

 

The Super Eagles have won 12 of their 14 meetings, with six of those victories ending 3-0. Despite various competitions and friendlies, Kenya has yet to break Nigeria’s dominance.

NB: Which of these games did you watch live? Leave your comments below!