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Nigeria national football team facts for kids

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Nigeria
Shirt badge/Association crest
Nickname(s) Super Eagles
Association Nigeria Football Federation (NFF)
Confederation CAF (Africa)
Sub-confederation WAFU (West Africa)
Head coach Augustine Eguavoen (interim)
Captain William Troost-Ekong
Most caps Ahmed Musa (109)
Top scorer Rashidi Yekini (37)
Home stadium Moshood Abiola National Stadium
FIFA code NGA
First colours
Second colours
FIFA ranking
Current 46 Decrease 2 (7 February 2019)
Highest 5 (April 1994)
Lowest 82 (November 1999)
Elo ranking
Current 42 Increase 2 (3 March 2019)
Highest 15 (31 May 2004)
Lowest 72 (27 December 1964)
First international
Flag of the British West Africa Settlements (1870–1888).svg Sierra Leone 0–2 Nigeria 
(Freetown, Sierra Leone; 8 October 1949)
Biggest win
 São Tomé and Príncipe 0–10 Nigeria 
(Agadir, Morocco; 14 June 2022)
Biggest defeat
 Gold Coast and United Kingdom British Togoland 7–0 Nigeria 
(Accra, Gold Coast; 1 June 1955)
World Cup
Appearances 6 (first in 1994)
Best result Round of 16 (1994, 1998, 2014)
Africa Cup of Nations
Appearances 20 (first in 1963)
Best result Champions (1980, 1994, 2013)
African Nations Championship
Appearances 3 (first in 2014)
Best result Runners-up (2018)
WAFU Nations Cup
Appearances 3 (first in 2010)
Best result Champions (2010)
Confederations Cup
Appearances 2 (first in 1995)
Best result Fourth place (1995)
Medal record
African Games
Gold 1973 Lagos Team
Silver 1978 Algiers Team
Men's football
Africa Cup of Nations
Gold 1980 Nigeria Team
Gold 1994 Tunisia Team
Gold 2013 South Africa Team
Silver 1984 Ivory Coast Team
Silver 1988 Morocco Team
Silver 1990 Algeria Team
Silver 2000 Ghana/Nigeria Team
Silver 2023 Ivory Coast Team
Bronze 1976 Ethiopia Team
Bronze 1978 Ghana Team
Bronze 1992 Senegal Team
Bronze 2002 Mali Team
Bronze 2004 Tunisia Team
Bronze 2006 Egypt Team
Bronze 2019 Egypt Team

The Nigeria national football team represents Nigeria in international men's football games. They are often called the Super Eagles. This team is managed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). They have won the Africa Cup of Nations three times. Their most recent win was in 2013. In February 2024, the Super Eagles were ranked 28th in the world by FIFA.

The team has played in six of the last eight FIFA World Cups. They missed out only in 2006 and 2022. They have reached the Round of 16 three times. Their first World Cup appearance was in 1994. Nigeria is a member of FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

History of the Super Eagles

Circa 1949 - Nigerian -UK Tourists- national team
The Nigeria "UK Tourists" national team before their trip to the UK in 1949. They were known as the "Red Devils" back then.

Nigeria played unofficial games against other colonies starting in the 1930s. Their first official game was in October 1949. At that time, Nigeria was still a British colony. Before this, the team played practice games in England. They played against amateur teams like Bromley and Dulwich Hamlet. One match against Marine A.F.C. had 6,000 fans, which was a record for that small stadium.

Early Years: 1963–1980

Nigeria first played in the Africa Cup of Nations in 1963. They were in a group with Sudan and the United Arab Republic. They did not make it to the next stage.

The team's first big win was a gold medal in the 2nd All-Africa Games in 1973. Captain Victor Oduah led the team to this success. They then finished third in the 1976 and 1978 African Cup of Nations. In 1980, with players like Segun Odegbami, the team won their first African Cup in Lagos. Christian Chukwu was their captain.

The Nigeria Olympic Men's football team won the gold medal at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta. They beat strong teams like Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina. They were runners-up at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. They lost to Argentina in the final, which was a rematch of the 1996 final.

In 1984, 1988, and 2000, Nigeria reached the Africa Cup of Nations final. They lost to Cameroon each time. Cameroon has won three of its five African titles by beating Nigeria. This has created a strong rivalry between the two countries. One famous moment was in the 2000 final. A penalty kick by Victor Ikpeba was not counted by the referee.

The team pulled out of two Africa Cup of Nations tournaments between 1963 and 1974. This was due to challenges happening in the country. They also withdrew in 1996. In 1976, they returned and finished third in both the 1976 and 1978 Africa Cup of Nations.

The 1980s: A Decade of Growth

Nigeria hosted the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations and won their first title that year. This happened in Lagos. Between 1982 and 1990, Ghana finished as runners-up three times. They also failed to qualify for the 1986 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.

World Cup Debut and Success: 1992–2006

Nigeria played in the Africa Cup of Nations again in 1992 and 1994. They finished third in 1992. Then, they won the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations, which was their second title.

Qualification for the 1994 FIFA World Cup
Countries qualified for the 1994 FIFA World Cup are shown in dark green
JezekWesterhof1980
Clemens Westerhof managed the team from 1989 through the 1994 World Cup.

Nigeria finally made it to the World Cup for the first time in 1994. They had tried for many years to qualify. Clemens Westerhof was their manager. Nigeria won their group, which included Argentina, Bulgaria, and Greece. Nigeria beat Bulgaria 3–0. They lost to Argentina 1–2. They reached the second round after beating Greece 2–0.

In the second round, Nigeria played Italy. Emmanuel Amunike scored a goal in the 25th minute, giving Nigeria the lead. Nigeria was very close to reaching the quarter-finals. But then Roberto Baggio scored for Italy, sending the game into extra time. He scored again, and Italy won 2–1. In 1996, the team pulled out of the African Cup of Nations. This was due to issues with the country's government. Nigeria was then banned from the 1998 African Cup of Nations.

In 1998, Nigeria returned to the World Cup. They were joined by Cameroon, Morocco, Tunisia, and South Africa. People were hopeful because of their manager Bora Milutinović. Most of the 1994 players were back. Nigeria was in Group D with Spain, Bulgaria, and Paraguay. Nigeria caused a big surprise by beating Spain 3–2. They came back twice after being behind. The Eagles qualified for the second round with a win against Bulgaria. They lost to Paraguay. The team's hopes of doing better than in 1994 ended. They lost 1–4 to Denmark. This is the only World Cup Nigeria qualified for without playing Argentina.

In 2000, they returned to the Africa Cup of Nations. They finished as runners-up. They then finished third in the 2002, 2004, and 2006 Africa Cup of Nations.

World Cups in 2002 and 2006

Nigeria qualified for the 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan. There was a new team and bright green uniforms. The Super Eagles were expected to do well. Nigeria was in Group F with strong teams like Sweden, Argentina, and England. Their first game against Argentina was a tough defensive battle. Argentina won 1–0 after a goal in the 61st minute. Nigeria's second game against Sweden saw them take the lead. But they later lost 2–1. Nigeria then drew 0–0 with England. They were out in the first round.

Nigeria did not qualify for the 2006 World Cup. They finished with the same points as Angola. But Angola had a better record in games played between them.

Recent Years: 2008–2017

EGY-NGA-2010-10-12
Egypt versus Nigeria lineup at 2010 Africa Cup of Nations, Uzomedia

In the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations, Nigeria lost to Ghana in the quarter-finals. They qualified for the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations in Angola. But Ghana beat them in the semi-finals. They failed to qualify for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations. This happened after a 2–2 draw against Guinea.

Nigeria came back strong in the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa. They played without losing any games. They beat Burkina Faso in the final to win the Cup for the third time. However, they did not qualify for the next two tournaments.

2010 World Cup Journey

On November 14, 2009, Nigeria qualified for the 2010 World Cup. They beat Kenya 3–2 in Nairobi.

FIFA World Cup 2010 South Korea Nigeria 2
Nigeria played against South Korea at 2010 FIFA World Cup

Nigeria lost their first match 1–0 to Argentina. This was at Ellis Park Stadium. In their second game, Nigeria led early with a goal from Kalu Uche. But a red card for Sani Kaita gave Greece an advantage. Greece scored and won 2–1. In their last group game against South Korea, Nigeria scored first. But South Korea came back to lead 2–1. Yakubu missed an open goal for Nigeria. He later scored a penalty to make it 2–2. But Nigeria could not score again. They were out of the 2010 World Cup with only one point.

After the team's early exit, the President of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan, suspended the team from international games for two years. This put the team at risk of being banned by FIFA. FIFA does not allow governments to interfere in football. The Nigerian government later removed the ban. But FIFA still applied a suspension for a few months.

2014 World Cup Journey

NGA-BIH 2014-06-21
Line-ups for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Group F match between Nigeria and Bosnia & Herzegovina

Nigeria's journey in the 2014 FIFA World Cup started with a 0–0 draw against Iran. Four days later, they played Bosnia and Herzegovina. A goal from Peter Odemwingie gave Nigeria their first World Cup win since 1998. They then faced Argentina. Lionel Messi scored early for Argentina. Ahmed Musa quickly equalized for Nigeria. Messi scored again before half-time. In the second half, Musa scored again to tie the game. Argentina then scored to win 3–2.

Nigeria lost the match but still made it to the Round of 16. There, Nigeria played France. An early goal for Nigeria was disallowed. Nigeria held France until the 79th minute. Then, Paul Pogba scored for France. An own goal by Captain Joseph Yobo in injury time sealed Nigeria's defeat. Nigeria was out. This was the third time Nigeria was knocked out in the Round of 16. They still had not reached the quarter-finals in the FIFA World Cup.

2018 World Cup Journey

FWC 2018 - Group D - NGA v ISL - Photo 20
Nigeria vs Iceland at the 2018 FIFA World Cup
Nigeria vs Argentina
Nigeria vs Argentina at the 2018 FIFA World Cup

On June 24, 2016, the Confederation of African Football announced the draw for the World Cup qualifiers. Nigeria was in a tough group with Zambia, Algeria, and Cameroon. Nigeria started with a 2–1 win over Zambia. They beat Algeria 3–1. They then beat Cameroon 5–1 both home and away.

The Super Eagles were the first African team to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. They beat Zambia 1–0. On June 3, 2018, coach Gernot Rohr named his 23-man squad. Nigeria lost their first game 0–2 to Croatia. But they won their second match 2–0 against Iceland. Ahmed Musa scored both goals. Nigeria had a good chance to qualify. But they lost 2–1 to Argentina in their last group game. Victor Moses scored for Nigeria. This loss meant Nigeria did not make it to the Round of 16.

2019 Africa Cup of Nations

The Super Eagles started the 2019 AFCON by beating Burundi 1–0. They then beat Guinea. But they lost 2–0 to Madagascar in their final group match. In the Round of 16, Nigeria beat Cameroon 3–2. Goals came from Jude Ighalo and Iwobi. They then played South Africa in the quarter-finals. A late header from Troost-Ekong gave Nigeria a 2–1 win. Nigeria faced Algeria in the semi-finals. They were knocked out after a very late free kick from Riyad Mahrez. The Super Eagles then played Tunisia for third place. They won 1–0 with a goal from Ighalo. This made him the top scorer of the tournament.

2021 Africa Cup of Nations

On July 18, 2019, the Confederation of African Football announced the draw for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualification. The Super Eagles were in Group L with Lesotho, Benin, and Sierra Leone. Nigeria started by beating Benin 2–1. They then beat Lesotho 4–2 away from home. In March 2020, the AFCON qualifiers were put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2021 African Cup of Nations was moved to 2022. The qualifiers started again in November 2020.

The 2021 AFCON began on January 9, 2022. Nigeria was the only team to win all three group stage matches. They beat Egypt 1–0, Sudan 3–1, and Guinea-Bissau 2–0. However, Nigeria lost 1–0 to Tunisia in the Round of 16 on January 23.

2022 World Cup Qualification

Nigeria did not qualify for the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 16 years. They lost to Ghana on the away goals rule. The scores were 0–0 in Ghana and 1–1 in Nigeria.

2023 Africa Cup of Nations

The Super Eagles started their 2023 AFCON by drawing 1–1 with Equatorial Guinea. They then beat hosts Ivory Coast 1–0. They also beat Guinea Bissau by the same score. In the Round of 16, Nigeria beat Cameroon 2–0. Ademola Lookman scored both goals. They then beat Angola in the quarter-finals with a goal from Lookman. Nigeria faced South Africa in the semi-finals. The match ended 1–1 after extra time. Kelechi Iheanacho scored in the penalty shootout. Nigeria won 4–2 on penalties. In the final, the Super Eagles finished as runners-up. They lost 2–1 to hosts Ivory Coast.

Team Look and Feel

Argentina-Nigeria (8)
Argentina versus Nigeria in a friendly match on 14 November 2017

Kits and Team Name

The Nigeria national team usually wears green for their home games. Their away kits are all white. These colors represent the Nigerian flag. The shade of green has changed over the years. In the past, they used a darker green. Now, they use a standard green, like the one on the flag. Nigeria's first national teams wore red shirts with white shorts and socks. They changed to green and white after Nigeria became independent.

On April 23, 2015, Nike became the supplier of Nigeria's kits. Before that, Nike supplied kits from 1994 to 2003.

Kit Suppliers

Kit supplier Period
West Germany Erima 1980–1984
United Kingdom Admiral 1984–1987
Germany Adidas 1988–1994
United States Nike 1994–2003
Germany Adidas 2004–2014
United States Nike 2015–present

Nigeria's team name has changed over time. Before Nigeria became independent, they were called the "Red Devils" because of their red shirts. After independence, they became the "Green Eagles." This name came from the Nigerian flag and the eagle on the country's coat of arms. In 1988, the team's name officially changed to the "Super Eagles." Today, only the senior men's team uses this nickname. The women's team is called the "Super Falcons." Younger male teams are called the "Flying Eagles" and the "Golden Eaglets."

Media and Fans

The Nigerian Football Federation has a deal with AIT and Ray Power Radio. This helps broadcast games. Internationally, Nigeria's qualifying and African Cup matches are shown by beIN Sports and SuperSport. Friendly matches are often played in the UK. This is for the many Nigerian people living there.

Nigerian fans in Russia
Nigerian football supporters at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia

Nigerian football fans are very lively. They wear green outfits, wigs, hats, and sunglasses. They dance, sing, play drums, and wave flags. They travel to support Nigeria in away matches too. However, the fan club sometimes faces problems with money and disagreements.

At home matches, a brass and percussion band often plays. They perform popular Highlife songs. This gives Nigerian games a special feeling. A common chant after a goal is "Oshe Baba!" This means "Thank you father!" in the Yoruba language.

Team Rivalries

Ghana

Black Stars (Ghana national football team) versus Super Eagles (Nigeria national football team)
Ghana vs. Nigeria in the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations Quarter-Final

Ghana is Nigeria's biggest rival. They have played each other more than any other team. Both are very successful in Africa. Nigeria had strong periods against Ghana, especially in the 1950s and early 2000s. FIFA says their first official match was a World Cup qualifier in 1960. But they played competitive games since 1950. The rivalry between these two West African teams is known as the Jollof Derby.

Cameroon

Cameroon, Nigeria's neighbor, is also a big rival. They have met three times in the final of the African Cup of Nations. Cameroon won all three finals. Both teams have a history of success in Africa and have played in many World Cups.

Their rivalry began in 1960. Nigeria has generally been the stronger team. But in the AFCON finals of 1984, 1988, and 2000, Cameroon won. Nigeria has qualified for six FIFA World Cups. They reached the Round of 16 three times. Cameroon has qualified eight times, reaching the quarter-finals once in 1990.

Other African Nations

Nigeria also has competitive matches with Algeria. They first played in the 1970s. They met twice in the African Cup of Nations finals, with each team winning once. A 1–1 draw in Algeria in 1993 helped Nigeria qualify for their first World Cup in 1994. Nigeria had a long unbeaten run against Algeria. But Algeria won in the semi-finals of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.

Nigeria's western neighbor, Benin, has also played against the team. But Nigeria has won most of these games. Benin is not seen as a major rival.

Argentina

NIG-ARG (2)
Nigeria starting eleven versus Argentina at the 2018 FIFA World Cup

In five of its first six World Cup appearances, Nigeria was in the same group as Argentina. Argentina is a three-time World Cup champion. Nigeria has played well against them. This match-up is the most common in World Cup history for an African team. Argentina has won all five World Cup games against Nigeria. But all were by only one goal. These games were very close. Nigeria has won two friendly matches against Argentina.

Nigeria almost beat Argentina in their first meeting. They led for some time in the game. In the 1995 Confederations Cup, Nigeria held Argentina to a 0–0 draw. At the Olympic Games, their teams played for the gold medal. Nigeria won in 1996 (3–2). Argentina won in 2008 (1–0). In the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship final, Argentina won 2–1. Both goals for Argentina were scored by Lionel Messi. He later scored against Nigeria in the 2014 and 2018 World Cups.

Many Nigerian fans see games against Argentina as a way to measure their team's progress. Argentine fans usually don't see Nigeria as a rival. But they know they must play carefully against Nigeria.

Home Stadiums

Football heaven
Abuja home stadium

The Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja is the official home stadium of the Super Eagles. Many international matches are also played in other stadiums across Nigeria. The Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo often hosts the Super Eagles' important home matches.

Super Eagles Match Venues

Stadium Capacity Commissioned City State/Territory
Godswill Akpabio International Stadium 30,000 2012 Uyo Akwa Ibom
Stephen Keshi Stadium 22,000 2018 Asaba Delta
Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium 38,000 2015 Port Harcourt Rivers
Moshood Abiola National Stadium 60,491 2000 Abuja FCT
Lagos National Stadium 45,000 1972 Surulere Lagos
U. J. Esuene Stadium 16,000 1977 Calabar Cross River
Teslim Balogun Stadium 24,325 1984 Surulere Lagos
Obafemi Awolowo Stadium 25,000 1960 Ibadan Oyo
Sani Abacha Stadium 16,000 1998 Kano Kano
Ahmadu Bello Stadium 16,000 1965 Kaduna Kaduna
Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium 22,000 1986 Enugu Enugu
Liberation Stadium 16,000 Port Harcourt Rivers

Recent Games and Future Matches

Here are the football match results from the last 12 months, and any future games.

      Win       Draw       Loss       Fixture

2023 Matches

2024 Matches

Coaching Staff

The Super Eagles' coaching staff includes a technical adviser (head coach) and assistant coaches. The second assistant coach works with the home-based team. They also help with the CHAN tournament. Other roles include a technical assistant and a goalkeeper trainer.

Position Name
Technical director Nigeria Augustine Eguavoen
Head coach Vacant
Assistant coach Nigeria Emmanuel Amunike
Football ambassador Nigeria Daniel Amokachi
Sports administrator Nigeria Ayodeji Adegbenro
Goalkeeping coach Nigeria Abiodun Baruwa
Fitness coach Nigeria Kenneth Adeyemi
Video analyst Nigeria Afolabi Adebayo
Match analyst Nigeria Eboboritse Uwejamomere

Coaching History

Caretaker managers are shown in italics.
  • England Jack Finch (1949)
  • Nigeria Adewale Adegoke (1950–1952)
  • Nigeria Daniel Anyiam (1954–1956)
  • England Les Courtier (1956–1960)
  • Israel Jerry Beit haLevi (1960–1961)
  • Hungary George Vardar (1961–1963)
  • Brazil Jorge Penna (1963–1964)
  • Nigeria Daniel Anyiam (1964–1965)
  • Hungary József Ember (1965–1968)
  • Spain Sabino Barinaga (1968–1969)
  • Nigeria Peter Amaechina (1969–1970)
  • West Germany Karl-Heinz Marotzke (1970–1972)
  • Brazil Jorge Penna (1972–1973)
  • West Germany Karl-Heinz Marotzke (1973–1974)
  • Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia Tiko Jelisavčić (1974–1978)
  • Brazil Otto Glória (1978–1981)
  • Germany Gottlieb Göller (1981)
  • Nigeria Adegboyega Onigbinde (1981–1984)
  • Nigeria Chris Udemezue (1984–1986)
  • West Germany Manfred Höner (1987–1988)
  • Nigeria Paul Hamilton (1989)
  • Netherlands Clemens Westerhof (1989–1994)
  • Nigeria Shuaibu Amodu (1994–1995)
  • Netherlands Jo Bonfrère (1995–1996)
  • Nigeria Shuaibu Amodu (1996–1997)
  • France Philippe Troussier (1997)
  • Federal Republic of Yugoslavia Bora Milutinović (1997–1998)
  • Netherlands Thijs Libregts (1998–1999)
  • Netherlands Jo Bonfrère (1999–2001)
  • Nigeria Shuaibu Amodu (2001–2002)
  • Nigeria Festus Onigbinde (2002)
  • Nigeria Christian Chukwu (2003–2005)
  • Nigeria Augustine Eguavoen (2005–2007)
  • Germany Berti Vogts (2007–2008)
  • Nigeria Shuaibu Amodu (2008–2010)
  • Sweden Lars Lagerbäck (2010)
  • Nigeria Augustine Eguavoen (2010)
  • Nigeria Samson Siasia (2010–2011)
  • Nigeria Stephen Keshi (2011–2014)
  • Nigeria Shuaibu Amodu (2014)
  • Nigeria Stephen Keshi (2015)
  • Nigeria Shuaibu Amodu (2015)
  • Nigeria Sunday Oliseh (2015–2016)
  • Nigeria Samson Siasia (2016)
  • Nigeria Salisu Yusuf (2016)
  • Germany Gernot Rohr (2016–2021)
  • Nigeria Augustine Eguavoen (2021–2022)
  • Portugal José Peseiro (2022–2024)
  • Nigeria Augustine Eguavoen (2024)
  • Nigeria Finidi George (2024)
  • Nigeria Augustine Eguavoen (2024–present)

Players

Current Squad

These players were called up for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nation qualification matches in October 2024.

Caps and goals are correct as of September 10, 2024, after the match against  Rwanda.

No. Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club
1GK Stanley Nwabili (1996-06-10) 10 June 1996 (age 29) 16 0 South Africa Chippa United
1GK Maduka Okoye (1999-08-28) 28 August 1999 (age 25) 16 0 Italy Udinese
1GK Amas Obasogie (1999-12-27) 27 December 1999 (age 25) 0 0 Nigeria Bendel Insurance

2DF William Troost-Ekong (captain) (1993-09-01) 1 September 1993 (age 31) 73 7 Saudi Arabia Al-Kholood Club
2DF Ola Aina (1996-10-08) 8 October 1996 (age 28) 42 0 England Nottingham Forest
2DF Semi Ajayi (1993-11-09) 9 November 1993 (age 31) 41 1 England West Bromwich Albion
2DF Calvin Bassey (1999-12-31) 31 December 1999 (age 25) 27 0 England Fulham
2DF Bright Osayi-Samuel (1997-12-31) 31 December 1997 (age 27) 18 0 Turkey Fenerbahçe
2DF Bruno Onyemaechi (1999-04-03) 3 April 1999 (age 26) 8 0 Portugal Boavista
2DF Benjamin Tanimu (2002-07-24) 24 July 2002 (age 22) 3 0 England Crawley Town

3MF Alex Iwobi (1996-05-03) 3 May 1996 (age 29) 81 10 England Fulham
3MF Moses Simon (1995-07-12) 12 July 1995 (age 29) 74 9 France Nantes
3MF Wilfred Ndidi (1996-12-16) 16 December 1996 (age 28) 59 0 England Leicester City
3MF Frank Onyeka (1998-01-01) 1 January 1998 (age 27) 26 1 Germany Augsburg
3MF Raphael Onyedika (2001-04-19) 19 April 2001 (age 24) 11 1 Belgium Club Brugge
3MF Alhassan Yusuf (2000-07-18) 18 July 2000 (age 24) 7 0 United States New England Revolution
3MF Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (2001-02-06) 6 February 2001 (age 24) 4 1 Italy Lazio

4FW Kelechi Iheanacho (1996-10-03) 3 October 1996 (age 28) 55 15 Spain Sevilla
4FW Samuel Chukwueze (1999-05-22) 22 May 1999 (age 26) 40 5 Italy Milan
4FW Ademola Lookman (1997-10-20) 20 October 1997 (age 27) 25 8 Italy Atalanta
4FW Taiwo Awoniyi (1997-08-12) 12 August 1997 (age 27) 9 2 England Nottingham Forest
4FW Victor Boniface (2000-12-23) 23 December 2000 (age 24) 8 1 Germany Bayer Leverkusen
4FW Chidera Ejuke (1998-01-02) 2 January 1998 (age 27) 8 0 Spain Sevilla

Recent Call-ups

These players have also been called up to the Nigeria squad in the last year.

Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club Latest call-up
GK Olorunleke Ojo (1995-08-17) 17 August 1995 (age 29) 0 0 Sudan Al-Merrikh v.  Benin, 10 June 2024
GK Adebayo Adeleye (2000-05-17) 17 May 2000 (age 25) 1 0 Israel Hapoel Jerusalem 2023 Africa Cup of Nations PRE

DF Olisa Ndah (1998-01-21) 21 January 1998 (age 27) 5 0 South Africa Orlando Pirates v.  Rwanda, 10 September 2024
DF Chidozie Awaziem (1997-01-01) 1 January 1997 (age 28) 34 1 United States Cincinnati v.  Benin, 10 June 2024
DF Ismaila Sodiq (2003-08-13) 13 August 2003 (age 21) 1 0 Nigeria Remo Stars v.  Benin, 10 June 2024
DF Kenneth Omeruo (1993-10-17) 17 October 1993 (age 31) 69 1 Turkey Kasımpaşa v.  Mali, 26 March 2024
DF Jamilu Collins (1994-08-05) 5 August 1994 (age 30) 30 0 Wales Cardiff v.  Mali, 26 March 2024
DF Tyronne Ebuehi (1995-12-16) 16 December 1995 (age 29) 12 0 Italy Empoli v.  Mali, 26 March 2024
DF Gabriel Osho (1998-08-14) 14 August 1998 (age 26) 0 0 England Luton Town v.  Mali, 26 March 2024
DF Zaidu Sanusi (1997-06-13) 13 June 1997 (age 28) 22 0 Portugal Porto 2023 Africa Cup of Nations
DF Kevin Akpoguma (1995-04-19) 19 April 1995 (age 30) 8 0 Germany 1899 Hoffenheim 2023 Africa Cup of Nations PRE
DF Jordan Torunarigha (1997-08-07) 7 August 1997 (age 27) 1 0 Belgium Gent 2023 Africa Cup of Nations PRE

MF Joe Aribo (1996-07-21) 21 July 1996 (age 28) 34 2 England Southampton 2023 Africa Cup of Nations
MF Kelechi Nwakali (1998-06-05) 5 June 1998 (age 27) 4 0 Portugal Chaves 2023 Africa Cup of Nations PRE

FW Victor Osimhen (1998-12-29) 29 December 1998 (age 26) 37 22 Turkey Galatasaray v.  Rwanda, 10 September 2024
FW Paul Onuachu (1994-05-28) 28 May 1994 (age 31) 24 3 Turkey Trabzonspor v.  Benin, 10 June 2024
FW Terem Moffi (1999-05-25) 25 May 1999 (age 26) 18 4 France Nice v.  Benin, 10 June 2024
FW Nathan Tella (1999-07-05) 5 July 1999 (age 25) 1 0 Germany Bayer Leverkusen v.  Benin, 10 June 2024
FW Umar Sadiq (1997-02-02) 2 February 1997 (age 28) 11 1 Spain Real Sociedad v.  Mali, 26 March 2024
FW Cyriel Dessers (1994-12-08) 8 December 1994 (age 30) 6 2 Scotland Rangers v.  Mali, 26 March 2024
FW Ahmed Musa (1992-10-14) 14 October 1992 (age 32) 110 18 Nigeria Kano Pillars 2023 Africa Cup of Nations
FW Emmanuel Dennis (1997-11-15) 15 November 1997 (age 27) 8 1 Turkey İstanbul Başakşehir 2023 Africa Cup of Nations PRE

INJ The player is not part of the current squad due to injury
PRE Preliminary squad/standby
RET Retired from the national team
SUS Serving suspension
WD Player withdrew from the squad due to non-injury issue.

Player Records

Statistics include official FIFA-recognized matches only. Players in bold are still active with Nigeria.

Most Appearances

Ahmed Musa 20180625
Ahmed Musa is Nigeria's most capped player with 109 appearances.
Rank Player Caps Goals Career
1 Ahmed Musa 109 16 2010–present
2 Vincent Enyeama 101 0 2002–2015
Joseph Yobo 101 7 2001–2014
4 Mikel John Obi 91 6 2005–2019
5 Nwankwo Kanu 86 12 1994–2011
Mudashiru Lawal 86 11 1975–1985
7 Alex Iwobi 81 10 2015–present
8 Jay-Jay Okocha 73 14 1993–2006
William Troost-Ekong 73 7 2015–present
10 Moses Simon 72 9 2015–present

Top Goalscorers

Rank Player Goals Caps Ratio Career
1 Rashidi Yekini 37 62 0.6 1983–1998
2 Victor Osimhen 23 38 0.61 2017–present
Segun Odegbami 23 47 0.47 1976–1981
4 Yakubu Aigyegbeni 21 58 0.36 2000–2012
5 Ikechukwu Uche 19 46 0.41 2007–2014
6 Obafemi Martins 18 42 0.43 2004–2015
7 Samson Siasia 17 49 0.35 1984–1998
8 Odion Ighalo 16 37 0.43 2015–present
Ahmed Musa 16 109 0.15 2010–present
10 Asuquo Ekpe 14 28 0.5 1956–1966
Julius Aghahowa 14 32 0.44 2000–2007
Kelechi Iheanacho 14 54 0.26 2015–present
Jay-Jay Okocha 14 73 0.19 1993–2006

Tournament Records

FIFA World Cup

FIFA World Cup Record Qualification Record
Year Round Position Pld W D L GF GA Squad Pld W D L GF GA Total
Uruguay 1930 Part of  United Kingdom Part of  United Kingdom
1934 to 1958 Not a FIFA member Not a FIFA member
Chile 1962 Did not qualify 2 0 1 1 3 6 1962
England 1966 Withdrew Withdrew
Mexico 1970 Did not qualify 8 3 4 1 15 12 1970
West Germany 1974 4 1 2 1 3 4 1974
Argentina 1978 8 3 3 2 17 8 1978
Spain 1982 8 3 2 3 8 8 1982
Mexico 1986 6 5 0 1 11 3 1986
Italy 1990 6 3 1 2 7 5 1990
United States 1994 Round of 16 9th 4 2 0 2 7 4 Squad 8 5 2 1 17 5 1994
France 1998 12th 4 2 0 2 6 9 Squad 6 4 1 1 10 4 1998
South Korea Japan 2002 Group stage 27th 3 0 1 2 1 3 Squad 10 6 2 2 19 3 2002
Germany 2006 Did not qualify 10 6 3 1 21 7 2006
South Africa 2010 Group stage 27th 3 0 1 2 3 5 Squad 12 9 3 0 20 5 2010
Brazil 2014 Round of 16 16th 4 1 1 2 3 5 Squad 8 5 3 0 11 4 2014
Russia 2018 Group stage 21st 3 1 0 2 3 4 Squad 8 5 2 1 13 6 2018
Qatar 2022 Did not qualify 8 4 3 1 10 4 2022
Canada Mexico United States 2026 To be determined 4 0 3 1 4 5 2026
Morocco Portugal Spain 2030 To be determined
Saudi Arabia 2034
Total Round of 16 6/16 21 6 3 12 23 30 116 62 35 19 189 89

Africa Cup of Nations

Africa Cup of Nations Record Qualification Record
Year Round Position Pld W D* L GF GA Squad Pld W D* L GF GA
Sudan 1957 Not part of CAF Not part of CAF
United Arab Republic 1959
Ethiopia 1962 Withdrew 4 1 2 1 4 5
Ghana 1963 Group stage 6th 2 0 0 2 3 10 Squad 2 0 1 1 2 3
Tunisia 1965 Withdrew Withdrew
Ethiopia 1968 Did not qualify 4 1 1 2 4 5
Sudan 1970 Withdrew Withdrew
Cameroon 1972 Did not qualify 2 0 1 1 1 2
Egypt 1974 4 2 1 1 7 9
Ethiopia 1976 Third place 3rd 6 3 1 2 11 10 Squad 2 2 0 0 3 1
Ghana 1978 Third place 3rd 5 2 2 1 8 5 Squad 4 2 1 1 7 4
Nigeria 1980 Champions 1st 5 4 1 0 8 1 Squad Qualified as hosts
Libya 1982 Group stage 6th 3 1 0 2 4 5 Squad Qualified as holders
Ivory Coast 1984 Runners-up 2nd 5 1 3 1 7 8 Squad 4 1 2 1 2 1
Egypt 1986 Did not qualify 2 0 1 1 0 1
Morocco 1988 Runners-up 2nd 5 1 3 1 5 3 Squad 4 2 1 1 6 3
Algeria 1990 Runners-up 2nd 5 3 0 2 5 6 Squad 4 2 2 0 8 2
Senegal 1992 Third place 3rd 5 4 0 1 8 5 Squad 8 4 3 1 15 3
Tunisia 1994 Champions 1st 5 3 2 0 9 3 Squad 6 3 2 1 12 1
South Africa 1996 Withdrew Qualified as holders
Burkina Faso 1998 Banned Banned
Ghana Nigeria 2000 Runners-up 2nd 6 4 2 0 12 5 Squad Qualified as hosts
Mali 2002 Third place 3rd 6 3 2 1 5 2 Squad 6 4 2 0 9 1
Tunisia 2004 Third place 3rd 6 4 1 1 11 5 Squad 4 2 2 0 7 3
Egypt 2006 Third place 3rd 6 4 1 1 7 3 Squad 10 6 3 1 21 7
Ghana 2008 Quarter-finals 7th 4 1 1 2 3 3 Squad 6 5 0 1 10 3
Angola 2010 Third place 3rd 6 3 1 2 6 4 Squad 12 9 3 0 20 5
Equatorial Guinea Gabon 2012 Did not qualify 6 3 2 1 12 5
South Africa 2013 Champions 1st 6 4 2 0 11 4 Squad 4 2 2 0 10 3
Equatorial Guinea 2015 Did not qualify 6 2 2 2 9 7
Gabon 2017 4 1 2 1 2 2
Egypt 2019 Third place 3rd 7 5 0 2 9 7 Squad 6 4 1 1 14 6
Cameroon 2021 Round of 16 9th 4 3 0 1 6 2 Squad 6 4 2 0 14 7
Ivory Coast 2023 Runners-up 2nd 7 4 2 1 8 4 Squad 6 5 0 1 22 4
Morocco 2025 Qualified 5 3 2 0 8 1
Kenya Tanzania Uganda 2027 To be determined To be determined
2029
Total 3 Titles 20/34 104 57 24 23 146 95 126 67 39 20 221 93
*Denotes draws including knockout matches decided via a penalty shoot-out.
**Red border color means the tournament was held in Nigeria.

African Nations Championship

African Nations Championship Record
Year Round Position Pld W D* L GF GA
Ivory Coast 2009 Did not qualify
Sudan 2011
South Africa 2014 Third place 3rd 6 3 2 1 12 8
Rwanda 2016 Group stage 10th 3 1 1 1 5 3
Morocco 2018 Runners-up 2nd 6 4 1 1 7 6
Cameroon 2020 Did not qualify
Algeria 2022
Total Runners-up 3/7 15 8 4 3 24 17

WAFU Nations Cup

WAFU Nations Cup Record
Year Round Position Pld W D L GF GA
Nigeria 2010 Champions 1st 5 5 0 0 14
Nigeria 2011 Runners-up 2nd 4 1 0 0 9
Ghana 2013 Did not enter
Ghana 2017 Runners-up 2nd 4 1 0 0 9
Senegal 2019 Quarter-finals
Total 1 Title 3/4 13 7 0 0 32 9

FIFA Confederations Cup

FIFA Confederations Cup Record
Year Round Position Pld W D* L GF GA Squad
Saudi Arabia 1992 Did not qualify
Saudi Arabia 1995 Fourth place 4th 3 1 2 0 4 1 Squad
Saudi Arabia 1997 Did not qualify
Mexico 1999
South Korea Japan 2001
France 2003
Germany 2005
South Africa 2009
Brazil 2013 Group stage 5th 3 1 0 2 7 6 Squad
Russia 2017 Did not qualify
Total Fourth place 2/10 6 2 2 2 11 7

Team Honours

Summary of Medals

Senior Competition 1 2 3 Total
CAF African Cup of Nations 3 5 8 16
CAF African Nations Championship 0 1 1 2
Afro-Asian Cup of Nations 1 0 0 1
Total 4 6 9 19
  1. This competition is organized by the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa. FIFA does not officially recognize it.

See Also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Selección de fútbol de Nigeria para niños

  • Nigeria national under-23 football team
  • Nigeria national under-20 football team
  • Nigeria national under-17 football team
  • Nigeria national futsal team
  • Nigeria national beach soccer team
  • Nigeria women's national football team
  • Nigeria women's national under-20 football team
  • Nigeria women's national under-17 football team
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