64 quick facts about Nigerian football as the nation celebrates independence

Today marks the 64th anniversary of Nigeria’s independence, which is a significant milestone in the history of the nation, Soccernet.ng reports.

As Nigeria celebrates its Independence Day, Soccernet.ng take a moment to reflect on the country’s incredible football journey till date.

From unforgettable victories to legendary players, Nigerian football has undoubtedly left its mark on the global stage.

Here are 64 quick facts that highlight the pride, passion, and achievements of Nigeria in football, and why football remains a vital part of the nation’s identity.

1. Nigeria’s first international football match was in 1949 against Sierra Leone.
2. The Super Eagles’ first World Cup appearance was in 1994, hosted in the USA.
3. Nigeria won its first Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 1980 on home soil.
4. Rashidi Yekini scored Nigeria’s first-ever World Cup goal in 1994 against Bulgaria.
5. Stephen Keshi is the only Nigerian to win AFCON as both a player (1994) and a coach (2013).
6. The Super Falcons are the most successful women’s football team in Africa, with 11 AFCON titles.
7. Nwankwo Kanu won the prestigious African Player of the Year award twice (1996, 1999).
8. Nigeria won gold in men’s football at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, the first African country to do so.
9. Jay-Jay Okocha is often considered Nigeria’s most skilful player.
10. Ahmed Musa is Nigeria’s all-time top scorer at the World Cup, with four goals.
11. Nigeria hosted the U-20 FIFA World Cup in 1999.
12. Asisat Oshoala has won the African Women’s Player of the Year award six times.
13. Nigeria won the U-17 FIFA World Cup five times (1985, 1993, 2007, 2013, 2015), a record.
14. Sunday Oliseh’s thunderous goal against Spain in the 1998 World Cup is one of Nigeria’s most famous goals.
15. Nigeria’s first-ever World Cup victory came in 1994, beating Bulgaria 3-0.
16. Daniel Amokachi scored the first UEFA Champions League goal by an African in 1992.
17. Victor Osimhen won the Serie A title with Napoli in 2023.
18. The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) is Nigeria’s top-flight domestic football league.
19. Enyimba FC has won the CAF Champions League twice (2003, 2004), the most by any Nigerian club.
20. Finidi George won the UEFA Champions League with Ajax in 1995.
21. Nigeria has appeared in six FIFA World Cups (1994, 1998, 2002, 2010, 2014, 2018).
22. Nigeria won the AFCON for the third time in 2013, defeating Burkina Faso in the final.
23. Joseph Yobo was the first Nigerian to earn 100 caps for the Super Eagles.
24. Peter Rufai is regarded as one of Nigeria’s best goalkeepers ever.
25. Nigeria’s highest FIFA ranking was 5th, achieved in April 1994.
26. Vincent Enyeama captained Nigeria to their third AFCON title in 2013.
27. Segun Odegbami was the top scorer at the 1980 AFCON tournament.
28. Obafemi Martins is known for his explosive pace and acrobatic goal celebrations.
29. Nigeria’s Super Falcons made their first Women’s World Cup appearance in 1991.
30. Nigeria reached the round of 16 in the World Cup three times (1994, 1998, 2014).
31. Nigeria has produced three FIFA U-17 Golden Ball winners: Sani Emmanuel (2009), Kelechi Iheanacho (2013) Kelechi Nwakali (2015).
32. Taribo West is famous for his colourful hairstyles.
33. Victor Ikpeba was named African Player of the Year in 1997.
34. Mutiu Adepoju played in three World Cups (1994, 1998, 2002).
35. John Obi Mikel captained Nigeria to a bronze medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
36. Nigeria’s women’s U-20 team, the Falconets, finished runners-up at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup twice (2010, 2014).
37. Emmanuel Amunike scored Nigeria’s winning goal in the 1994 AFCON final.
38. Nigeria’s first official international tournament was the 1963 Africa Cup of Nations.
39. Nigeria is one of only a few African nations to have played against Argentina.

40. Odion Ighalo was the top scorer at the 2019 AFCON.
41. Nigeria has produced many football exports, including Jay-Jay Okocha, Victor Osimhen, and Wilfred Ndidi.
42. Nigeria has produced several top European footballers, such as Obafemi Martins, John Obi Mikel, and Alex Iwobi.
43. Kanu Nwankwo’s heart surgery in 1996 inspired the Kanu Heart Foundation, which helps children with heart defects.
44. Nigeria’s national football team was formerly known as the Green Eagles until they became the Super Eagles in 1988.
45. The Flamingos are Nigeria’s women’s U-17 football team, and they reached the semifinals of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in 2022.
46. Nigeria’s first AFCON appearance came in 1963.
47. Nigeria finished third at the AFCON a record eight times.
48. Moses Simon is currently one of Nigeria’s most influential wingers.
49. Nigeria top second round group A ahead of Ivory Coast and Algeria to reach 1994 World Cup
50. Wilfred Ndidi is one of the top defensive midfielders in the Premier League, playing for Leicester City.
51. Rashidi Yekini is Nigeria’s all-time leading goalscorer with 37 goals.
52. Rasheedat Ajibade is a key player for Nigeria’s women’s national team.
53. Nigeria’s national stadium in Abuja is one of the largest football stadiums in Africa.
54. Nigeria is known for producing talented footballers from grassroots academies like Pepsi Football Academy.
55. Sunday Mba scored the winning goal in the 2013 AFCON final.
56. Sani Kaita is remembered for his red card against Greece in the 2010 World Cup.
57. Nigeria’s youth teams are highly successful, with consistent performances at U-17 and U-20 World Cups.
58. Victor Moses retired from international football after the 2018 World Cup.
59. Emmanuel Emenike was the top scorer at the 2013 AFCON.
60. Nigeria is one of Africa’s football powerhouses, regularly contending in AFCON and World Cup tournaments.
61. Super Eagles’ kit at the 2018 World Cup was voted one of the best football kits in history.
62. Paul Onuachu was the top scorer in the Belgian Pro League in the 2020-21 season.
63. Nigeria’s women’s national team qualified for every FIFA Women’s World Cup since 1991.
64. Nduka Ugbade was the first African to lift a FIFA trophy when Nigeria won the 1985 U-16 World Cup.

Happy Independence Day!