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Nigeria Super Eagles Africa Cup of Nations Titles: Complete History, Years & Facts |
Discover Nigeria Super Eagles Africa Cup of Nations titles, years won, memorable matches, and the full history of Nigeria’s AFCON triumphs and legacy.
Nigeria’s national football team—the Super Eagles—is one of the most storied sides in African football. Their journey at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) reflects decades of passion, skill, and resilience. But how many AFCON titles has Nigeria won? What are the Nigeria Super Eagles Africa Cup of Nations titles years? And what’s behind their historic continental legacy?
In this full guide, we’ll explore each of these questions with verified facts, expert detail, context, and memorable moments that define Nigeria’s AFCON success.
What Is the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON)?
The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is the premier international football tournament in Africa, organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). It is contested by national teams from across the continent and is widely considered one of the most competitive and prestigious football competitions in global soccer.
Nigeria has participated in AFCON many times across decades, building a tradition of excellence and resilience.
Nigeria Super Eagles Africa Cup of Nations Titles: How Many?
Nigeria has won the Africa Cup of Nations a total of three times.
These titles make Nigeria one of the more successful teams in African football history—behind giants like Egypt, Cameroon, and Ghana but ahead of many other nations.
Nigeria Super Eagles AFCON Titles Years
Here are the Nigeria Super Eagles Africa Cup of Nations titles years:
1980 — First AFCON Title
- Host: Nigeria
- Final Result: Nigeria 3-0 Algeria
- This historic win marked the Super Eagles’ first ever AFCON triumph, achieved on home soil in Lagos. It announced Nigeria as a continental football power.
1994 — Second AFCON Title
- Host: Tunisia
- Final Result: Nigeria 2-1 Zambia
- Coming after years of building a talented squad, this victory helped solidify Nigeria’s reputation as a top African team.
2013 — Third AFCON Title
- Host: South Africa
- Final Result: Nigeria 1-0 Burkina Faso
- Nigeria’s third title ended a 19-year trophy drought and showcased a beautiful blend of tactical discipline and flair.
Nigeria’s AFCON Titles Count: At a Glance
| Year | Host Country | Final Result | Title Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Nigeria | 3–0 vs Algeria | 1st |
| 1994 | Tunisia | 2–1 vs Zambia | 2nd |
| 2013 | South Africa | 1–0 vs Burkina Faso | 3rd |
This table reflects Nigeria’s three prestigious AFCON trophies.
What Nigeria’s AFCON Triumphs Mean
Nigeria’s three titles tell a bigger story than just numbers. They represent:
National Pride & Milestones
Each win boosted national morale and inspired generations of players and fans.
Consistency on the Continent
Nigeria’s presence in finals and deep runs shows long-term competitiveness.
Legacy of Great Players
From Christian Chukwu’s leadership in 1980 to stars like Rashidi Yekini and Nwankwo Kanu in later decades, Nigeria’s football history is rich with icons.
Nigeria’s AFCON Finals: Beyond Titles
Nigeria’s AFCON journey includes not just wins but memorable finals appearances:
Runner-Up / Final Appearances (Not Titles)
- 1984: Runner-up
- 1988: Runner-up
- 1990: Runner-up
- 2000: Runner-up (lost on penalties)
- 2023: Runner-up (lost to Ivory Coast)
These appearances show how often Nigeria has been close to glory—even when not lifting the trophy.
Nigeria’s Total Performance in AFCON
Beyond championships, Nigeria’s statistics at AFCON are impressive:
- Appearances: Over 20 tournaments
- Most semifinal finishes by any team (tied with Egypt)
- Numerous top-four finishes over decades
This consistency highlights Nigeria’s status as a continental powerhouse.
Legendary Nigeria AFCON Moments
Some of the most unforgettable Nigeria football moments occurred at AFCON:
1980 Final — Basking in Home Glory
Hosting the tournament and winning emphatically set the tone for Nigeria’s football future.
1994 Triumph — A Team of Stars
Nigeria showcased flair and resilience in a thrilling final that captured continental attention.
2013 Victory — A Return to the Top
This win proved Nigeria could integrate experience and youth for success.
Repeated Final Heartbreaks
Runner-up finishes in 1984, 1988, 1990, 2000, and 2023 all show Nigeria’s tenacity and ability to stay competitive at the highest levels.
How Nigeria Compares With Other AFCON Winners
As of the latest completed tournaments:
| Country | AFCON Titles |
|---|---|
| Egypt | 7 |
| Cameroon | 5 |
| Ghana | 4 |
| Nigeria | 3 |
| Ivory Coast | 3 |
| Algeria | 2 |
Nigeria’s three titles place them among Africa’s most successful football nations—even if not at the very top.
Nigeria’s AFCON Legacy: More Than Titles
While title counts matter, Nigeria’s greatest contributions to AFCON include:
Developing Football Excellence
Nigeria consistently produces top talent seen in Europe and around the world.
Fierce Rivalries
Matches against rivals like Cameroon, Ghana, and Ivory Coast are often tournament highlights.
Cultural Impact
Super Eagles’ success inspires millions and builds national unity through sport.
Impact of Recent AFCON Campaigns
Even in years Nigeria didn’t win, the Super Eagles remain a team to watch:
- 2023 AFCON: Reached the final but lost narrowly.
- 2026 AFCON: Reached semifinals but were eliminated by Morocco.
These performances show Nigeria’s continuing relevance on the continent.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many AFCON titles has Nigeria won?
Nigeria has won three AFCON titles.
What are the Nigeria Super Eagles AFCON titles years?
The Super Eagles won in 1980, 1994, and 2013.
Is Nigeria one of the most successful AFCON teams?
Yes—Nigeria’s three titles place them among the tournament’s most accomplished teams, though not the very top.
When did Nigeria last win the AFCON?
Their most recent title was in 2013.
Final Thoughts: Why Nigeria’s AFCON Titles Matter
Nigeria’s Super Eagles Africa Cup of Nations titles are more than just trophies. They represent moments when a nation united, celebrated greatness, and earned respect across a football-mad continent.
From their first triumph in 1980 to their latest in 2013, Nigeria’s AFCON legacy continues to inspire fans, young players, and future generations of African football stars.
Explore more Super Eagles history and AFCON insights on our website to deepen your knowledge of Nigeria’s football legacy and future prospects.
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