Unlucky In Finals? How Nigeria Has Lost Five Out Of Eight AFCON Finals
The Super Eagles’ dream of reclaiming the Africa Cup of Nations title for the fourth time was dashed on Sunday, February 11, 2024, after a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to host nation Côte d’Ivoire in the final. This wasn’t their first taste of disappointment on Ivorian soil, as their maiden AFCON final loss in 1984 also took place here against Cameroon.
Nigeria’s journey to the final was a captivating blend of fortune, defensive resilience, and attacking flair, spearheaded by talisman Victor Osimhen. However, despite William Troost-Ekong’s 38th-minute opener, the Super Eagles were unable to quench the thirst of millions of Nigerians for victory.
Their campaign in the 34th edition of the tournament started with a shaky 1-1 draw against Equatorial Guinea. But from there on, it was smooth sailing: a 1-0 win over the host nation, followed by similar victories against Guinea-Bissau and Cameroon, a 1-0 triumph over Angola in the quarterfinals, and a penalty shootout victory against South Africa.
Yet, facing the Elephants at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium saw them fall short of expectations, succumbing to their fifth defeat in eight AFCON finals appearances. Despite being Africa’s most decorated team in the tournament, Nigeria now shares the unfortunate record of most final losses with Ghana.
Here’s a brief history of their travails in AFCON finals
1980: Nigeria vs. Algeria
The 1980 tournament was memorable in various ways; it was Nigeria’s first time hosting the Africa Cup of Nations, their first time making it into the final, and the first time winning the trophy.
Known then as the Green Eagles, Nigeria had an amazing outing, almost defeating every nation on their way to the final. The final, held at the National Stadium, Lagos, pitched the Eagles against Algeria in a match that was thoroughly dominated by the Eagles. Just two minutes into the game, Nigeria’s forward, Segun Odegbami, struck to put the country ahead. Odegbami would strike again at the 42nd minute to double the lead.
Five minutes into the second half, the late Mudashiru ‘Muda’ Lawal sealed the match with another goal, handing the nation its first AFCON trophy.
1984: Nigeria vs. Cameroon
Hosted in Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria’s 1984 final was a West African derby between Nigeria and Cameroon.
Despite Muda Lawal’s 10th-minute opener, Nigeria lost 3-1 to their neighbors.
1988: Nigeria vs. Cameroon
Four years later, the Super Eagles faced the Indomitable Lions for the second time in an AFCON final. Held in Morocco, the Eagles reached the final of the tournament after missing the previous edition in 1986.
However, despite an impressive outing, Nigeria lost a chance to lift the trophy for the second time after a questionable penalty was awarded to Cameroon.
1990: Nigeria vs. Algeria
In 1990, after a disappointing elimination at the World Cup earlier in the year in Italy, Nigeria began the AFCON tournament with an embarrassing 5-1 defeat by the host country, Algeria.
But the Eagles would scale through to the final, beating Egypt, Côte d’Ivoire, and then Zambia in the semifinals to face Algeria.
However, Algeria avenged their AFCON loss to Nigeria 10 years ago and was crowned champions after beating Nigeria 1-0.
1994: Nigeria vs. Zambia
For many reasons, the squad of the 1994 Super Eagles was referenced as the ‘Golden Generation’ only comparable to its 1996 star-studded team.
With players like Stephen Keshi, Austin Eguavoen, Uche Okafor, Sunday Oliseh, Austin Okocha, Rashidi Yekini, Samson Siasia, Daniel Amokachi, Emmanuel Amuneke, and Victor Ikpeba, it was not surprising that Nigeria made it to the final. But the final proved not just to be difficult but also dramatic. Just three minutes into the match against Zambia, the Eagles fell behind. However, Emmanuel Amuneke redeemed the country with a brace that earned Nigerians their second AFCON trophy.
2000: Nigeria vs. Cameroon
Another final against Nigeria’s arch-rivals Cameroon ended in defeat despite the Super Eagles having star names like Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha, Daniel Amokachi, Victor Ikpeba, Sunday Oliseh, Nwankwo Kanu, and Julius Aghahowa.
Like the 1980 final, the 2000 final was memorable but in a different way. It was the second time Nigeria was hosting the tournament (alongside Ghana). The final, held at the National Stadium, Lagos, was a game filled with drama and tension. Nigeria went behind to the Cameroonians in the 26th minute of the match with Samuel Eto’s opener. The Indomitable Lions doubled their lead in the 31st minute with a Patrick M’Boma goal.
However, the silent stadium erupted when Raphael Chukwu and Okocha leveled the scores, two minutes apart, in the 45th and 47th minutes. Unfortunately for the Eagles, the Indomitable Lions were victorious in the penalty shootout in front of 60,000 spectators.
2013: Nigeria vs. Burkina Faso
In some ways, the 2013 AFCON is similar to the 2023 tournament. The Super Eagles started with a below-par performance in the group stage. However, they reinvented themselves under the tutelage of the late Stephen Keshi to defeat Burkina Faso 1-0 in the final at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa.
11 years of anticipation turned to disappointment as the Super Eagles fell short in the AFCON final, succumbing to defeat against Côte d’Ivoire.
