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The Nigerian football team has played in several international tournaments including six appearances in the FIFA World Cup, 17 in the CAF Africa Cup of Nations among other continental competitions and friendlies.
The Super Eagles hold the record for achieving the highest FIFA rankings by an African nation. They were ranked fifth in 1994, after impressing in their first appearance in the FIFA World Cup.
After making their World Cup debut in 1994, Nigeria has been a dominant force in African football and has been become one of the most consistent African nations in the world biggest sporting event.
Nigerian football has produced talented players who have gone on to play in some of Europe's top leagues like Jay-Jay Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu, John Obi Mikel, Alex Iwobi, and Wilfried Ndidi among others who have been instrumental in their massive success over the past couple of years.
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Here is a look at five historic results the Nigerian football team has achieved in the illustrious time in the game.
#5 Victory against Argentina in 2017 | 4-2
During the run-up to the 2018 World Cup, the Super Eagles gave their fans a glimpse of what to expect at the upcoming tournament with a mouth-watering clash against two-time champions, Argentina.
Despite it being just a friendly match, the clash was a perfect opportunity for them to showcase their talent against worthy opposition ahead of the World Cup in Russia
The Nigerians ran riot as they dismantled Argentina. The Super Eagles came from two goals down to claim a famous 4-2 victory against the South American juggernauts.
Ever Banega and Sergio Aguero's first-half strikes were not enough for the Albiceleste to avoid defeat as Kelechi Iheanacho halved the deficit at the stroke of half-time before an Alex Iwobi double sandwiched between a strike from Brian Idowu in the second half gave Nigerian football fans a truly memorable result.
#4 Victory over Bulgaria in 1994 FIFA World Cup | 3-0
After a long wait, Nigeria finally qualified for the FIFA World Cup in 1994 that was held in the United States of America. They had the opportunity to showcase their football in the world biggest stage.
However, as World Cup debutants much was not expected from them and therefore any results would have been welcomed by their fans.
The Super Eagles had an emphatic victory in their first FIFA World Cup match defeating European side Bulgaria 3-0 to announce their arrival in world football. Goals from Rashidi Yekeni, Daniel Amokachi and Emmanuel Amunike were enough to give the Nigerians a perfect start of the competition.
They went on to top their group that included two-time champions Argentina, Greece and Bulgaria.
They secured a place in the last 16 where they lost to Italy who needed extra time to eliminate the World Cup first-timers. The Super Eagles brave performances drew praise from their fans and gave them great hope for a better future.
#3 Victory over Burkina Faso in 2013 AFCON | 1-0
The Super Eagles went almost two decades before winning the CAF African Cup of Nations. Having won the competition in 1994 and bagging the Olympic gold medal in 1996, Nigeria was expected to dominate African football for many years.
However, things did not go as planned for the Nigerians as they were made to wait for 19 years to be the Continental Champions again.
The long wait for the African Cup of Nations winners medal makes their 1-0 win against Burkina Faso in 2013 historic more so to the young fans who were born after their 1994 victory. Their dominant display throughout the competition made them the favourites as they went into the tricky finals.
Sunday Mba lone striker settled a rather calm final as Nigeria emerged victorious.
#2 Victory over Argentina in 1996 Olympic Games | 3-2
Nigeria went into the finals of 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta as underdogs against Argentina. Little did they know that history was awaiting them in the finals against the South American giants.
After a hard-fought victory in the semi-finals against a Brazilian side that boosted 1994 World Cup winners like Bebeto, Roberto Carlos and Ronaldo, the Super Eagles were optimistic heading into the finals despite all odds being against them to win the much-coveted Olympic gold medal.
Claudio Lopez gave Argentina a dream start finding the back of the net in the 3rd minute. Celestine Babayaro scored for the Nigerian in the 28th minute to draw the game level by half-time. However, at the beginning of second-half Hernan Crespo struck from the spot to restore the Argentine's lead. It seemed as the Argentine's were going to be victorious before Daniel Amokachi and Emmanuel Amunike scored in the 74th and 90th minute respectively to hand the Nigerians their biggest victory at international level.
Nigerians 3-2 historic victory against Argentina remains one of the most historic victories not only for their fans but also to Africa. It serves as an inspiration that one day, an African team will ultimately win the FIFA World Cup.
#1 Victory over Algeria in 1980 AFCON | 3-0
During the 12th edition of the African Cup of Nations, Nigeria had the opportunity to clinch their first trophy at the competition.
The Super Eagles who were the hosting the competition demolished North African side Algeria 3-0 in a one-sided final to win the most prestigious soccer competition in Africa much to the delight of the 85,000 fans that were packed in Lagos National Stadium.
They were motivated to deliver in front of the home fans a trophy which they clinched in style with a first-half brace from Segun Odegbami putting the Super Eagles in the driving seat. A quick-fire goal by Muda Lawal at the beginning of the second half sealed the historic victory for the Nigerians.
Nigeria's win over Algeria was historic and their fans as it was their first trophy of the three African Cup Championship that they've won.
