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| How Many AFCON Tournaments Has Nigeria Won |
How many AFCON tournaments has Nigeria won? Full history of Nigeria’s 3 AFCON titles, years won, legendary squads, and football legacy explained.
Nigeria is one of Africa’s true football powerhouses. From packed stadiums in Lagos to global Super Eagles fan communities, the country’s relationship with football runs deep. That is why one question keeps coming up year after year: how many AFCON tournaments has Nigeria won?
This article gives a clear, factual, and up-to-date answer. More importantly, it explains the full story behind Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) victories, near-misses, legendary squads, and what those wins mean for African football today.
How Many AFCON Titles Has Nigeria Won?
Nigeria has won the Africa Cup of Nations three (3) times.
The Super Eagles lifted the AFCON trophy in:
- 1980 – Hosted by Nigeria
- 1994 – Tunisia
- 2013 – South Africa
This fact is officially recognized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and consistently documented by global football authorities such as FIFA and major sports media.
Why AFCON Matters in African Football
The Africa Cup of Nations is the most prestigious international football tournament on the continent. Winning AFCON is not just about silverware—it defines eras, shapes player legacies, and influences global respect for African football nations.
For Nigeria, AFCON success has always reflected:
- Strong grassroots talent
- Tactical evolution
- Golden generations of players
- National unity through sport
Understanding how many AFCON tournaments Nigeria has won also means understanding Nigeria’s football identity.
Nigeria’s First AFCON Victory – 1980 (Home Glory)
Context Before 1980
Before 1980, Nigeria had come close but had never won AFCON. The country finished runners-up twice (1976 and 1978), earning the nickname “nearly men” of African football.
Hosting the 1980 tournament came with massive pressure.
The Historic Win
Nigeria defeated Algeria 3–0 in the final at the National Stadium, Lagos.
Key facts:
- Coach: Otto Glória
- Captain: Christian Chukwu
- Star players: Segun Odegbami, Mudashiru Lawal
This victory marked Nigeria’s first AFCON title and firmly established the Super Eagles as a continental force.
Why 1980 Still Matters
- First major international trophy
- Ended years of heartbreak
- Laid the foundation for future success
Nigeria’s Second AFCON Title – 1994 (Golden Generation Era)
The Rise of a World-Class Team
The early 1990s produced arguably Nigeria’s most talented generation ever. The squad blended European-based professionals with fearless local stars.
AFCON 1994 in Tunisia
Nigeria defeated Zambia 2–1 in the final.
Goalscorers:
- Emmanuel Amuneke (2 goals)
Key players:
- Rashidi Yekini
- Jay-Jay Okocha
- Sunday Oliseh
- Finidi George
Why 1994 Was Special
- Came shortly after political turmoil at home
- Preceded Nigeria’s stunning 1994 World Cup performance
- Elevated Nigerian players to global recognition
This tournament firmly answers the question how many AFCON tournaments has Nigeria won with a second historic triumph.
Nigeria’s Third AFCON Title – 2013 (Against All Odds)
Low Expectations, High Impact
Before AFCON 2013, Nigeria was not considered a favorite. The squad was young, rebuilding, and underestimated.
The Final in South Africa
Nigeria defeated Burkina Faso 1–0 in the final.
Goal scorer:
- Sunday Mba
Coach:
- Stephen Keshi (a former AFCON-winning captain himself)
Why the 2013 Victory Was Unique
- First AFCON win in 19 years
- Won without conceding a goal in knockout stages
- Coached by a Nigerian legend
This win completed Nigeria’s trio of AFCON titles and silenced doubts about the nation’s football future.
Summary Table: Nigeria’s AFCON Wins
| Year | Host Country | Final Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Nigeria | Algeria | 3–0 |
| 1994 | Tunisia | Zambia | 2–1 |
| 2013 | South Africa | Burkina Faso | 1–0 |
How Many AFCON Finals Has Nigeria Played?
Nigeria has reached the AFCON final eight (8) times, winning three and finishing runners-up five times.
Runner-up finishes include:
- 1976
- 1978
- 1984
- 1988
- 2000
This consistency places Nigeria among Africa’s most successful football nations.
How Nigeria Compares to Other AFCON Giants
When discussing how many AFCON tournaments Nigeria has won, context matters.
AFCON Titles Comparison
- Egypt – 7 titles
- Cameroon – 5 titles
- Ghana – 4 titles
- Nigeria – 3 titles
Nigeria remains firmly in Africa’s top tier despite having fewer titles than Egypt.
Why Nigeria Has Not Won More AFCON Titles
Several factors explain the gap between talent and trophies:
- Administrative instability at times
- Frequent coaching changes
- Player availability conflicts
- High public expectations and pressure
Despite this, Nigeria remains one of the most feared teams at every AFCON tournament.
Nigeria’s AFCON Legacy Beyond Trophies
Nigeria’s influence goes beyond wins.
Contributions to African Football
- Produced Ballon d’Or nominees
- Developed globally respected academies
- Exported top talent to Europe
Players like Jay-Jay Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu, and John Obi Mikel shaped how African footballers are viewed worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many AFCON tournaments has Nigeria won?
Nigeria has won the Africa Cup of Nations three times.
When was Nigeria’s last AFCON win?
Nigeria last won AFCON in 2013.
Has Nigeria ever defended an AFCON title?
No. Nigeria has never won back-to-back AFCON titles.
Is Nigeria expected to win another AFCON soon?
With strong youth development and overseas-based players, Nigeria remains a serious contender in every AFCON edition.
Explore Nigeria’s Football History Deeper
If you enjoyed this breakdown, explore our detailed guide on Nigeria’s World Cup history and legendary Super Eagles squads to understand how these AFCON wins shaped global success.
Dive deeper into Nigerian football greatness and stay updated on future tournaments.
Final Thoughts
So, how many AFCON tournaments has Nigeria won? The answer is clear: three. But the real story is bigger than numbers.
Each AFCON title marked a defining era—1980’s breakthrough, 1994’s global rise, and 2013’s rebirth. Together, they form a legacy of resilience, talent, and continental pride.
Nigeria may not hold the record for most AFCON trophies, but few nations command the same respect, passion, and footballing influence across Africa and beyond.
