Greatest Super Eagles AFCON Squad
The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is the ultimate stage of football glory for African nations, and Nigeria’s Super Eagles have been among the most consistent and formidable teams in the tournament’s history. Over the years, the super eagles afcon squad has thrilled fans with dazzling displays, breathtaking goals, and gritty victories. With three championship titles (1980, 1994, and 2013) and several podium finishes, Nigeria has produced iconic squads that are etched in African football folklore.
This in-depth article revisits the Top 5 Greatest Super Eagles AFCON Squad in Nigerian history. Each team is analyzed based on their tactical strength, team chemistry, individual brilliance, tournament performance, and historical impact. Updated to reflect facts and sentiments up to 2025, this guide is your definitive ranking of Nigeria’s most iconic AFCON lineups.
5. 2000 Super Eagles AFCON Squad—The Brave Comeback Kings (Runner-Up)
Tournament: AFCON 2000 (Co-hosted by Nigeria and Ghana)
Result: Runner-Up (Lost to Cameroon on penalties)
The 2000 super eagles afcon squad is often remembered for its thrilling comeback in the final and the controversial loss in the penalty shootout. Under the guidance of Dutch coach Jo Bonfrère, Nigeria showcased attacking flair, youthful exuberance, and experienced leadership throughout the tournament.
Key Matches:
- Group Stage: 4-2 win over Tunisia
- Quarterfinal: Beat Senegal 2-1
- Semifinal: Defeated South Africa 2-0
- Final: 2-2 draw against Cameroon (Lost 4-3 on penalties)
Squad Highlights:
- Forwards: Nwankwo Kanu, Victor Ikpeba, Julius Aghahowa (breakout star)
- Midfielders: Jay-Jay Okocha, Sunday Oliseh, Finidi George
- Defenders: Taribo West, Uche Okechukwu, Celestine Babayaro
- Goalkeeper: Ike Shorunmu
Aghahowa’s goal celebration backflips became iconic, while Okocha was instrumental in controlling the midfield with his creativity. Despite the heartbreak, this squad rejuvenated belief in Nigerian football following a disappointing 1998 World Cup.
4. 1990 Super Eagles AFCON Squad – Laying the Foundation for Glory (Runner-Up)
Tournament: AFCON 1990 (Hosted by Algeria)
Result: Runner-Up (Lost 1-0 to Algeria in the final)
Under Clemens Westerhof, the 1990 team introduced a new philosophy to Nigerian football, emphasizing tactical discipline and fitness. This tournament served as a launchpad for the players who would go on to form the golden generation of 1994.
Key Matches:
- Group Stage: 5-1 demolition of Gabon
- Semifinal: 2-1 win over Zambia
- Final: Narrow 1-0 loss to Algeria
From L to R (2nd row): Okechukwu Uche (5), Samson Siasia (12), Augustine Eguavoen (2), George F (7), Chidi Nwanu (6), Peter Rufai (1).
From L to R (1st row): Rashidi Yekini (6), Emmanuel Amunike (11), Sunday Oliseh (15), Benedict Iroha (3), Daniel Amokachi (14). AFP PHOTO TIMOTHY A. CLARY / AFP PHOTO / – (Photo credit should read -/AFP via Getty Images)
Squad Highlights:
- Forwards: Rashidi Yekini, Samson Siasia
- Midfielders: Thompson Oliha, Friday Elahor
- Defenders: Austin Eguavoen, Uche Okechukwu
- Goalkeeper: Alloysius Agu
Despite being underdogs, the team defied expectations and reached the final with tenacity. Rashidi Yekini began showing his goal-scoring prowess, setting the stage for his dominance in future tournaments.
3. 2013 Super Eagles AFCON Squad – Stephen Keshi’s Miracle Men (Champions)
Tournament: AFCON 2013 (Hosted by South Africa)
Result: Champions (Defeated Burkina Faso 1-0 in the final)
Few gave Nigeria a chance in 2013. With many players from the domestic league and others relatively unknown internationally, expectations were low. Yet under Stephen Keshi—himself a former AFCON-winning captain—the squad defied the odds.
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Key Matches:
- Quarterfinal: Defeated Ivory Coast 2-1 (One of the tournament’s biggest upsets)
- Semifinal: Dominant 4-1 win over Mali
- Final: 1-0 win over Burkina Faso
Squad Highlights:
- Goalkeeper: Vincent Enyeama (rock-solid between the sticks)
- Defenders: Kenneth Omeruo, Elderson Echiejile, Efe Ambrose
- Midfielders: John Obi Mikel, Ogenyi Onazi
- Forwards: Emmanuel Emenike (top scorer), Ahmed Musa, Sunday Mba
Sunday Mba’s winning goal in the final was a moment of sheer magic, symbolizing the fairytale run. Keshi became the second person ever to win the tournament as both player and coach. This super eagles afcon squad reignited national pride and brought the trophy home after 19 years.
2. 1980 Super Eagles AFCON Squad – The Nation’s First Taste of Glory (Champions)
Tournament: AFCON 1980 (Hosted by Nigeria)
Result: Champions (Defeated Algeria 3-0 in the final)
The 1980 super eagles afcon squad made history by becoming the first Nigerian team to win the AFCON title. Played on home soil, the final at Lagos’ National Stadium was witnessed by over 80,000 fans, including then-President Shehu Shagari.
Key Matches:
- Group Stage: Drew 1-1 with Ivory Coast, then defeated Tanzania and Egypt
- Semifinal: Overcame Morocco 1-0
- Final: Dominated Algeria 3-0
Squad Highlights:
- Star Players: Segun Odegbami (scored twice in final), Muda Lawal, Christian Chukwu (captain)
- Coach: Otto Gloria
- Goalkeeper: Best Ogedegbe
This team was filled with flair and tactical brilliance. Odegbami was in his prime, while Chukwu led from the back with calm authority. The success established Nigeria as a new power in African football.
1. 1994 Super Eagles AFCON Squad – The Undisputed Kings (Champions)
Tournament: AFCON 1994 (Hosted by Tunisia)
Result: Champions (Defeated Zambia 2-1 in the final)
This was Nigeria’s golden generation at its peak. The 1994 super eagles afcon squad combined youth, experience, technical skill, and physical strength in perfect harmony.
Key Matches:
- Group Stage: 3-0 win over Gabon, 0-0 draw with Egypt
- Semifinal: 2-0 victory over Ivory Coast
- Final: 2-1 win against Zambia
Squad Highlights:
- Forwards: Rashidi Yekini (top scorer), Daniel Amokachi, Emmanuel Amunike (scored twice in final)
- Midfielders: Jay-Jay Okocha, Sunday Oliseh, Finidi George
- Defenders: Stephen Keshi (captain), Uche Okechukwu, Ben Iroha
- Goalkeeper: Peter Rufai
- Coach: Clemens Westerhof
Yekini was unstoppable, Okocha was unpredictable, and Keshi was inspirational. The 1994 squad also laid the foundation for Nigeria’s impressive showing at the USA 1994 World Cup, where they reached the Round of 16. The FIFA rankings placed Nigeria at 5th in the world shortly after—still the highest-ever by any African team.
Honorable Mentions:
- 1984, 1988 Squads: Reached finals but fell to Cameroon
- 2023 AFCON Squad: Finalists under coach Jose Peseiro, featuring modern stars like Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Calvin Bassey. A narrow 2-1 loss to hosts Ivory Coast showed promise for future success.
Conclusion
Across generations, the super eagles afcon squad has been a source of national pride, unity, and inspiration. Each era brought unique qualities—from the pioneering warriors of 1980, the golden class of 1994, to the miracle men of 2013.
But it is the 1994 squad that remains unparalleled in achievement, talent, and legacy. As the Super Eagles eye AFCON 2025 and the World Cup beyond, fans are hopeful that a new golden generation is ready to take flight.
