Top 5 historic results for Nigerian national football team

Nigerian players celebrate a goal against Argentina
Nigerian players celebrate a goal against Argentina

#2 Victory over Argentina in 1996 Olympic Games | 3-2

Nigerian players celebrating their victory against Argentina
Nigerian players celebrating their victory against Argentina

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.

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Edited by A. Ayush Chatterjee
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