 |
| How Many AFCON Cups Does Nigeria Have |
How many AFCON cups does Nigeria have? Discover Nigeria’s AFCON titles, finals history, iconic moments, and why the Super Eagles remain African giants.
Nigeria is one of Africa’s football powerhouses, known for its passionate fans, legendary players, and consistent presence at major tournaments. A common question football lovers ask—especially during Africa Cup of Nations seasons—is how many AFCON cups does Nigeria have and how those victories shaped the country’s football legacy.
This guide gives a clear, accurate, and up-to-date answer, while also exploring Nigeria’s AFCON history, near-misses, iconic players, and why the Super Eagles remain one of Africa’s most respected national teams.
The Direct Answer: How Many AFCON Cups Does Nigeria Have?
Nigeria has won the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) three times.
The Super Eagles lifted the AFCON trophy in:
- 1980 (Host nation)
- 1994 (Tunisia)
- 2013 (South Africa)
As of 2026, the answer to how many AFCON cups does Nigeria have remains three, placing Nigeria among the most successful national teams in African football history.
Understanding AFCON and Why It Matters
The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is Africa’s premier international football competition, organised by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). It is equivalent to the UEFA European Championship or Copa América and represents the highest level of national team football on the continent.
Winning AFCON is significant because it reflects:
- Continental dominance
- Tactical and technical excellence
- Football development depth
- National pride and legacy
Nigeria’s three AFCON titles highlight decades of competitiveness and resilience at the highest African level, as documented by CAF’s official tournament records and FIFA’s international competition archives.
Nigeria’s AFCON Victories Explained
AFCON 1980 – Nigeria’s First Triumph
- Host nation: Nigeria
- Final: Nigeria 3–0 Algeria
- Venue: National Stadium, Lagos
Nigeria’s first AFCON victory came on home soil in 1980. Led by captain Christian Chukwu and inspired by Segun Odegbami, the Green Eagles delivered a dominant performance that united the nation.
Why 1980 matters:
- First continental title
- Massive boost to Nigerian football identity
- Cemented Nigeria as a rising African force
AFCON 1994 – The Golden Generation Era
- Host nation: Tunisia
- Final: Nigeria 2–1 Zambia
- Coach: Clemens Westerhof
The 1994 AFCON is widely regarded as Nigeria’s most iconic victory. This team featured legends such as Rashidi Yekini, Jay-Jay Okocha, Sunday Oliseh, and Emmanuel Amunike.
Key highlights:
- Nigeria’s attacking football impressed global audiences
- The win preceded Nigeria’s historic debut at the 1994 FIFA World Cup
- Nigeria later reached world No. 5 in FIFA rankings
FIFA’s historical rankings and BBC Sport’s AFCON retrospectives consistently rank this team among Africa’s best ever.
AFCON 2013 – Redemption in South Africa
- Host nation: South Africa
- Final: Nigeria 1–0 Burkina Faso
- Coach: Stephen Keshi
After nearly two decades without a title, Nigeria returned to the summit in 2013. Coached by the late Stephen Keshi, the Super Eagles defied expectations with disciplined, tactical football.
Why the 2013 title was special:
- Won with a squad built largely from home-based players
- Stephen Keshi became one of the few individuals to win AFCON as both player and coach
- Marked Nigeria’s return to continental glory
CAF’s official AFCON archives still reference the 2013 Super Eagles as one of the most tactically balanced winning teams.
How Close Has Nigeria Come? AFCON Final Appearances
While answering how many AFCON cups does Nigeria have, it’s also important to note Nigeria’s consistency.
Nigeria has reached the AFCON final eight times, winning three and finishing runner-up five times.
Nigeria’s AFCON Final Losses
- 1984 – Lost to Cameroon
- 1988 – Lost to Cameroon
- 1990 – Lost to Algeria
- 2000 – Lost to Cameroon (on penalties, as host)
- 2023 AFCON (played in 2024) – Lost to Côte d’Ivoire
These repeated final appearances underline Nigeria’s long-term competitiveness and explain why the Super Eagles are always tournament favourites.
Nigeria vs Other AFCON Giants
To properly understand how many AFCON cups does Nigeria have, it helps to compare Nigeria with other African football giants.
| Country | AFCON Titles |
|---|---|
| Egypt | 7 |
| Cameroon | 5 |
| Ghana | 4 |
| Nigeria | 3 |
| Algeria | 2 |
| Côte d’Ivoire | 3 |
Nigeria’s three titles place the country firmly in Africa’s top tier, alongside Côte d’Ivoire and just behind Ghana and Cameroon.
Nigeria’s AFCON Legacy Beyond Trophies
AFCON success isn’t only about trophies. Nigeria’s influence on African football is also measured by:
- Consistent qualification for AFCON tournaments
- Production of world-class players
- Strong presence in European leagues
- Youth development success
Players like Nwankwo Kanu, John Obi Mikel, Victor Osimhen, and Ahmed Musa have carried Nigeria’s AFCON legacy onto the global stage, according to player development analyses published by FIFA and UEFA partner platforms.
Memorable AFCON Moments Involving Nigeria
Some moments have defined Nigeria’s AFCON story beyond titles:
- Rashidi Yekini’s emotional celebration in 1994
- Nigeria’s dramatic semi-final wins against rivals
- Stephen Keshi lifting the trophy as coach in 2013
- Nigeria’s unbeaten run to the 2023 AFCON final
These moments continue to shape Nigeria’s football culture and fan identity.
Can Nigeria Win AFCON Again?
With emerging stars, improved domestic leagues, and growing tactical maturity, Nigeria remains a strong contender for future AFCON tournaments.
Reasons for optimism:
- Strong youth systems
- Players excelling in Europe’s top leagues
- Increased tactical awareness
- Massive fan support
CAF’s technical reports consistently rank Nigeria among the most balanced squads heading into AFCON competitions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many AFCON cups does Nigeria have as of 2026?
Nigeria has three AFCON titles: 1980, 1994, and 2013.
When last did Nigeria win AFCON?
Nigeria last won the Africa Cup of Nations in 2013.
Has Nigeria ever hosted AFCON?
Yes. Nigeria hosted AFCON in 1980 and 2000 (co-hosted with Ghana).
Is Nigeria among the top AFCON teams?
Yes. Nigeria is consistently ranked among Africa’s top football nations by CAF and FIFA.
Final Thoughts: Nigeria’s Place in AFCON History
So, how many AFCON cups does Nigeria have?
The answer is three, but the story goes far beyond numbers.
Nigeria’s AFCON journey reflects decades of excellence, heartbreak, resilience, and pride. With eight final appearances, legendary players, and a football culture admired across Africa, the Super Eagles remain one of the continent’s most respected teams.
Final
Want more African football insights?
Stay updated with our latest AFCON analysis, Nigerian football history features, and tournament previews—bookmark this page and keep exploring.
