5 memorable matches Nigerians will love to watch again
Although the Super Eagles have never won the FIFA World Cup, Nigeria have played some memorable games which fans will love to watch again. Here we take a look at some scintillating matches that sent the most populous black nation into the heavens. 1. Nigeria 4 – 3 Brazil (Atlanta 1996) The Samba Boys came into this game clear favourites having defeated Nigeria 1-0 in the group stage of the competition.
Both teams met in the semi-final again and after Flavio, Bebeto and Roberto Carlos had scored, Nigeria fans thought it was all over for the Eagles. Emmanuel Babayaro, Victor Ikpeba scored; but former Arsenal man Nwankwo Kanu last minute goal ensured the match extended into extra-time. Kanu stunned the entire arena when he netted the winner in the extra-time as Nigeria ran away victors courtesy the Golden Goal rule. Nigeria went on to win the tournament as the pipped Argentine 3 – 2 in the final.
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2. Nigeria 3 – 2 Argentina (final 1996 Olympics) At the final of the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, USA, although Nigeria defeated Brazil in the semi final duel, but Argentina were tipped to lift the trophy in the final. Lopez opened scoring in the third minute to break the hearts of Nigerians, but the Dream Team leveled up in the 28th minute through Babayaro. Argentina came strong in the second half as Crespo scored the second via a penalty, but Nigeria went on to win the match as goals from Daniel Amokachi and Emmanuel Amunike ensured Jo Bonfere-tutored side won the trophy.
3. Nigeria 1 – 0 Burkina Faso (2013 AFCON final) The victory Nigeria recorded at the final of the 2013 African Cup of Nations is till fresh on the memory of many Nigeria fans considering the years Nigeria had waited before lifting the trophy in South Africa.
Nigeria’s forward Sunday Mba celebrates after scoring the opening goal against Burkina Faso during the 2013 African Cup of Nations final football match between Burkina Faso and Nigeria on February 10, 2013 at Soccer City stadium in Johannesburg.
Former Enugu Rangers’ player Sunday Mba was the hero as his only goal helped Stephen Keshi’s side win the African Cup of Nations. Nigeria 4 – 1 Algeria (1994 World Cup qualifier) Nigerian football community would never forget the excitement this game brought to them as the Super Eagles qualified for their first ever World Cup in 1994. The Super Eagles defeated Algeria 4-1 in Nigeria, and only needed to avoid defeat in the second leg and they eventually got a 1 – 1 draw away which gave them the USA 94 World Cup ticket.
4. Kenya 2 – 3 Nigeria (2010 World Cup qualifier) Nigeria fans would never forget the tension this match caused them as they eventually qualified for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The Super Eagles needed to get a win in their last qualification game on November 14, 2009 and the match stood 2-2 until Obafemi Martins got the winner for Nigeria at the death.
5. Spain 2 – 3 Nigeria (France 1998 World Cup) Sunday Oliseh’s strike late-on in this showdown is arguably Nigeria’s best goal at a World Cup tournament. With the scoreline at 2 – 2 with barely fifteen minutes left, Oliseh powered his shot from about 25-yards-out which left goalkeeper Zubizaretta with no chance. Against all odds, Nigeria defeated Spain 3 -2 in their opening match of the 1998 World Cup in France.
