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| How Many AFCON Has Nigeria Won |
How many AFCON has Nigeria won? Discover Nigeria’s AFCON titles, years won, comparison with Morocco, and what the future holds.
If you have ever searched how many AFCON has Nigeria won, you are not alone. Nigeria is one of Africa’s most respected football nations, and fans regularly want clear, factual answers about the Super Eagles’ achievements at the Africa Cup of Nations. This article gives you a verified, no-nonsense breakdown of Nigeria’s AFCON history, how it compares with other nations, and what the future holds.
What Is AFCON and Why It Matters
The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is the biggest international football competition in Africa, organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). It has been held since 1957 and features the best national teams on the continent.
AFCON matters because it:
- Determines continental supremacy in African football
- Shapes player careers and global recognition
- Builds national pride and football legacy
You can confirm official tournament records directly on the CAF website: https://www.cafonline.com
How Many AFCON Has Nigeria Won? (Direct Answer)
Let’s be clear and factual.
Nigeria has won the Africa Cup of Nations three (3) times.
This directly answers related search queries such as:
- how many times has nigeria won afcon
- how many afcon does nigeria have
Despite being a football powerhouse, Nigeria’s total AFCON titles currently stand at three.
The Years Nigeria Won AFCON
Nigeria’s AFCON victories came across three different football generations.
AFCON 1980 – Nigeria (Host Nation)
- Final: Nigeria 3–0 Algeria
- Venue: National Stadium, Lagos
- Coach: Otto Gloria
This was Nigeria’s first-ever AFCON title and remains historic because it was won on home soil. The 1980 squad is often regarded as one of the most iconic teams in Nigerian football history.
AFCON 1994 – Tunisia
- Final: Nigeria 2–1 Zambia
- Coach: Clemens Westerhof
The 1994 Super Eagles team is widely considered Nigeria’s golden generation. This victory came shortly before Nigeria’s famous run at the 1994 FIFA World Cup, cementing the country’s global football reputation.
AFCON 2013 – South Africa
- Final: Nigeria 1–0 Burkina Faso
- Coach: Stephen Keshi
After a long trophy drought, Nigeria returned to the top in 2013. Stephen Keshi made history by winning AFCON both as a player and as a coach, a rare achievement in African football.
How Close Has Nigeria Come to Winning More Titles?
Although Nigeria has won AFCON three times, it has come close on several occasions.
- Nigeria has reached the AFCON final eight times
- Finished as runners-up five times
- Regularly reaches semi-finals and knockout stages
This consistency explains why Nigeria is always considered a tournament favorite, even when it does not win the trophy.
Nigeria vs Other African Giants
To fully understand Nigeria’s AFCON record, comparison is important.
AFCON Titles by Top African Nations
- Egypt – 7 titles
- Cameroon – 5 titles
- Ghana – 4 titles
- Nigeria – 3 titles
- Algeria – 2 titles
Nigeria remains firmly within Africa’s football elite, even if it has fewer titles than Egypt or Cameroon.
How Many AFCON Has Morocco Won?
A very common comparison search is how many AFCON has Morocco won.
Morocco has won AFCON once, in 1976.
Despite recent success at the FIFA World Cup and strong club football, Morocco has only a single AFCON title—meaning Nigeria has won the competition more times than Morocco.
For verified records, see BBC Sport Africa: https://www.bbc.com/sport/football
Legendary Players Behind Nigeria’s AFCON Success
Nigeria’s AFCON titles were built by world-class players, including:
- Segun Odegbami – Star of the 1980 team
- Rashidi Yekini – Top scorer and 1994 hero
- Jay-Jay Okocha – Skill, creativity, leadership
- Nwankwo Kanu – Experience and winning mentality
- Sunday Oliseh & Emmanuel Amuneke – Midfield and attacking strength
These players shaped Nigeria’s identity as a powerful, attacking football nation.
Nigeria’s Recent AFCON Performance (Latest Context)
In the most recent AFCON tournament, Nigeria reached the final but narrowly lost to the host nation, Ivory Coast.
This performance confirms two key facts:
- Nigeria remains a top-tier African team
- Another AFCON title is realistic in the near future
CAF match data and reports can be found here: https://www.cafonline.com/competitions/africa-cup-of-nations/
Why Nigeria Has Not Won AFCON More Often
Despite talent and depth, several factors have limited Nigeria’s AFCON trophy count:
- Administrative instability in football governance
- Frequent coaching changes
- Poor long-term planning at times
- Missed opportunities in crucial matches
These issues—not lack of talent—are the main reasons Nigeria has “only” three AFCON titles.
Can Nigeria Win AFCON Again?
The honest answer: Yes, absolutely.
Nigeria has:
- One of Africa’s largest talent pools
- European-based players in top leagues
- Strong youth development pipelines
With better administration and long-term planning, a fourth AFCON title is not a matter of if, but when.
Conclusion
Nigeria’s AFCON history reflects consistency, quality, and unfinished business. With the right leadership and focus, the Super Eagles are well-positioned to add another African crown.
