After making their first ever African Cup of Nations (AFCON) appearance in 1963, Nigeria will be hoping to clinch a fourth title when they begin their campaign on 13th January in Ivory Coast.
Nicknamed the “Super Eagles” after their perceived success in the 1988 AFCON, they are considered one of the strong forces in African football. They often play their home matches in traditional green and white kit (colors of their national flag).
Super Eagles emerge
Despite making their AFCON debut in 1963, Nigeria went on to feature in just three of its first nine AFCONs, but they soon found a feel for the tournament.
The Super Eagles emerged third in both the 1976 and 1978 AFCON competition before Segun Odegbami’s brace and a goal from Muda saw them beat Algeria 3-0 as hosts in Lagos in 1980 to secure their first ever AFCON trophy. They went on to emerge champions in 1994 and 2013.
After a frustrating group stage exit in 1982, they finished as runners-up in 1984, then failed to qualify in 1986, 2012, 2015 and 2017. Overall, The Super Eagles have made 19 appearances at the prestigious continental tournament and will be making it 20 come January 2024.
Key players to watch out for
Victor Osimhen
After missing out on the 2021 AFCON in Cameroon due to an injury, 24 year-old Victor Osimhen who plays as a striker for Italian Serie A club, Napoli is tipped to give defenders a tough time in Ivory Coast.
“We have a great squad to do well, I’m proud of the team,” Osimhen told Wazobia during an interview on FM Radio Lagos.
The forwarder who was awarded highest goal scorer in Serie A last season with 26 goals is currently one of the best strikers in the world. He has netted 6 goals in 9 games so far this season for Napoli.
Victor Boniface
The Bayer Leverkusen forward who claimed the Bundesliga player of the Month award for the third consecutive time (August, September, October) will be a nightmare for defenders in the tournament.
As a debutant with the Super Eagles, Boniface will be hoping to make a great impression. He has scored 10 goals and provided six assists in 14 appearances across all competitions for Die Werkself this season.
AFCON qualification stats
Placed in Group A, they finished top of their group with 15 points, closely followed by Guinea Bissau with 10 points, Sierra Leone 5 and Sao Tome & Principe with 1 point.
Nigeria qualified for the 2024 AFCON after beating Sierra Leone 3-2 thanks to Kelechi Iheanacho’s 95th minute goal on the last matchday day of AFCON qualifiers.
For the 2024 AFCON they are paired with 2015 champions, Ivory Coast seeking a third AFCON title, fast-improving Equatorial Guinea and Guinea-Bissau in Group A.
Without doubt, Nigeria will attract the most attention among the six Group A fixtures where they will be vying for a fourth gold medal.