Nigeria National Football Team: Origin, History, Squad & Achievements

Nigeria Football Federation (NFF)

Super Eagles are governed by the Nigeria Football Federation. Just like other African nations, it is also registered in the system of CAF. Before kicking a ball in an official game, the country built a managerial body named the Nigeria Football Association in 1945, which later formed a squad to represent the country at the international level. The country's football association changed their name to NFF in 2008. The governing body, which is located in the city of Abuja, oversees several tournaments, including the three most important leagues - Nigerian Premier League, Amateur League and Women's League. The Nigeria National Football Team coach, Eric Chelle, was also appointed by the NFF. From running the footballing ecosystem of the country to organising regional knockout tournaments, this organisation is the supreme entity of football in the African nation. Its current president is Ibrahim Musa Gusau.

History of Nigeria National Football Team: Early Years

The history of the Nigeria football team is full of excellent stories. Football blossomed in the country under British colonial rule. The Nigerian people used to demonstrate their energy, love, and passion for the game in the early years of the last century, even without the existence of a formal team. Formation of NFF in 1945, leading to the inception of an official team, changed things quickly in the country. The first team of the nation that played their first official game in the UK was called “Nigeria UK Tourists National Team.
But history has never been kind to the Super Eagles. They faltered and fell numerous times. But their never-say-die attitude kept them going, and the moment of pride came in 1973 when they lifted the Gold Medal in the African Games. The period between 1960 and 1970 took them to a new height in Africa, with the Nigeria football team players showing their mettle in almost every competition. They became a force to reckon with after they had won their first AFCOn title in 1980. Super Eagles reached a whole new level in 1994 with their first appearance in the FIFA World Cup. From legendary Nigeria National Football team players like Jay-Jay Okocha to the modern-day superstars like Victor Osimhen, the history and present of Nigeria National Football Team are destined to take a ride of excellence.

Home Stadium of Nigeria National Football Team

Moshood Abiola National Stadium is the Nigeria National Football Team stadium for home games. It is where stars are born. This venue, located in the capital city of Nigeria, Abuja, was opened for operation in 2003. Widely known as the “fortress of the Super Eagles”, it is one of the most iconic and biggest football stadiums in Africa. Moshood Abiola National Stadium is the identity of Nigerian football legacy.
From World Cup qualifiers to AFCON matches, this has hosted hundreds of official matches to date. Apart from this beauty, Nigeria National Football Team also plays their matches in Lagos' National Stadium and Godswill Akpabio National Stadium, giving the crowd of green and white outside the capital a chance to cheer.

Nigeria National Football Team: Achievements & Honours

When it comes to silverware, the Nigeria National Football Team has a cabinet full of shining trophies, displaying their dominance and success in the game over the years. They have won AFCON four times, with the first one coming way back in 1980. The Super Eagles have not been able to win a trophy in the last 13 years. It's not that they haven't had a chance to end the curse. It's just that fate has been very angry with them. Five major titles are not that bad for a country that began playing the game in tournaments after 1960.