Nigeria’s Super Eagles were involved in 17 games across all competitions in 2024, with a mixed bag of results: seven wins, four draws, and five losses.
They also secured a penalty shootout victory over South Africa at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
Across these fixtures, the Super Eagles netted 18 goals but conceded a concerning 15.
As the year winds down, Soccernet.ng takes a look back at the top seven goals scored by Nigeria’s national team in 2024 — moments of magic that lit up an otherwise inconsistent campaign.
7. Ademola Lookman’s first goal vs Cameroon – AFCON
In the AFCON Round of 16 clash between Nigeria and Cameroon, Lookman’s opening goal epitomised resilience.
With VAR ruling out an earlier Nigerian effort, Cameroon seemed comfortable with a throw-in deep in their half.
But Victor Osimhen’s relentless pressing forced an error, allowing him to steal the ball and tee up Lookman.
The Atalanta forward made no mistake, stabbing the ball through the goalkeeper for a crucial strike in Nigeria’s 2-0 victory.
6. Fisayo Dele-Bashiru vs South Africa – World Cup Qualifiers
Nigeria’s 1-1 draw with South Africa in June could have ended in disappointment, but Dele-Bashiru’s brilliance salvaged a point.
Receiving Alex Iwobi’s pass with his back to goal, the midfielder executed a superb half-turn before unleashing a low strike that beat Ronwen Williams, Africa’s Best Goalkeeper, at full stretch.
https://twitter.com/MakingOfChamps/status/1799173517788770454
It was a dream maiden goal for the youngster in Super Eagles colours.
5. Ademola Lookman vs Angola – AFCON
The AFCON quarterfinal against Angola featured one of Nigeria’s best team goals.
Moses Simon’s electric pace turned a seemingly lost pass into a chance, as he surged into the box and unselfishly squared the ball to Lookman.
The forward hammered it into the roof of the net to seal a 1-0 win.
4. Ademola Lookman vs Ghana – Friendly
Nigeria’s 2-1 friendly win over Ghana in March ended an eight-year winless streak against their rivals.
Lookman’s goal stood out, highlighting the Super Eagles’ transition play.
After breaking through Ghana’s half-hearted press, Nigeria attacked in number. The ball arrived at Alex Iwobi feet and he expertly cushioned it for Lookman, who picked out the top-right corner with clinical precision.
Super Eagles’ 2nd Goal Against Ghana.
— POOJA!!! (@PoojaMedia) March 22, 2024
Build up, transition, Iwobi assist & Lookman’s sexy goal.
Finidi Ball pic.twitter.com/qJ43SJiY1l
3. Raphael Onyedika vs Benin – World Cup Qualifiers
Nigeria suffered a 2-1 defeat to Benin Republic in one of their World Cup qualifiers, but Onyedika’s opener was a moment of brilliance.
Collecting a pass from Moses Simon on the edge of the box, the Club Brugge star unleashed a thunderous strike into the top corner.
https://twitter.com/Mike_ThePundit/status/1800205119067418707
It was a stunning way to open his Super Eagles account.
2. Ademola Lookman vs Benin – AFCON Qualifiers
Lookman delivered a mesmerizing solo goal in Nigeria’s 3-0 win over Benin in the AFCON qualifiers.
With the opposition defence proving stubborn, the Atalanta star took matters into his own hands, dribbling past three defenders before rifling his shot into the net.
1. Samuel Chukwueze vs Rwanda – AFCON Qualifiers
In Nigeria’s final AFCON qualifier, Chukwueze delivered a moment of magic despite the team’s 2-1 loss to Rwanda.
Coming off the bench, the Villarreal winger could have been mistaken for Lionel Messi after he embarked on a dazzling solo run, gliding past multiple defenders before unleashing a sublime finish.
Brilliant solo goal by Samuel Chukwueze against Rwanda..
— Sopirinye Jaja (@Sopirinye) November 19, 2024
What a goal from the @acmilan player pic.twitter.com/PE9lTaNHso
The goal was a rare bright spot in an otherwise forgettable game and easily Nigeria’s best of the year.
