The Nigeria national football team represents Nigeria in international men's football. Governed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), they are three-time Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) winners, with their most recent title in 2013. In February 2024, the Nigerian national football team was ranked 28th in the FIFA rankings. The team has qualified for six of the last nine FIFA World Cups, missing only the 2006, 2022 and 2026 tournaments. They have reached the round of 16 on three occasions. Their first World Cup appearance was in the 1994 edition. The team is a member of FIFA and Confederation of African Football (CAF).[citation needed]

History

The Nigeria "UK Tourists" national team prior to their tour of the UK in 1949. The team were known among the West African nations at the time as the "Red Devils" due to their red shirts.

Early history

Nigeria first played other colonies in unofficial games, initially in 1938 when they played the Gold Coast with a team of Lagos-based players. Nigeria formed a representative national team to send abroad for a tour of England, arriving in Liverpool on 29 August 1949, and playing matches against amateur sides including Marine A.F.C. (which drew 6,000 spectators, a record their Rossett Park ground), Bishop Auckland, Leytonstone, Dulwich Hamlet and Bromley. Nigeria then played its first official game in October 1949, while still a British colony, as they beat Sierra Leone 2–0 in Freetown.

1963–1980

Nigeria first appeared in the Africa Cup of Nations in 1963, when they were drawn in a group with Sudan, and the then United Arab Republic. They did not advance to the next stage.

The team's first major success was a gold medal in the 2nd All-Africa games in 1973 led by captain, Victor Oduah. The team went on to achieve 3rd-place finishes in the 1976 and 1978 African Cup of Nations to follow. In 1980, with players such as Segun Odegbami and Best Ogedegbe, the team, led by Christian Chukwu, won the African Cup for the first time in Lagos.

Nigeria Olympic Men's football team won the football event at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, beating Mexico, Brazil and Argentina in the process. They were runners-up in the same event at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, losing to Argentina in a rematch of the 1996 Final of the event.

In 1984, 1988 and 2000, Nigeria reached the Cup of Nations final, losing to Cameroon. Three of the five African titles won by Cameroon have been won by defeating Nigeria. Missing out to Cameroon on many occasions has created an intense rivalry between both nations. Three notable occasions; narrowly losing out in the 1988 African Cup of Nations, qualifiers for the 1990 World Cup, and the controversial final of the 2000 African Cup of Nations where a kick taken by Victor Ikpeba during the penalty shoot-out was adjudged not to have crossed the goal-line by the referee.

The team withdrew from two African Cup of Nations between 1963 and 1974, due to political instability and in 1996. In 1976, they came back to the Cup of Nations with third-place finishes in both the 1976 and 1978 African Cup of Nations.

1980–1990

Nigeria hosted the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations and also won their first Cup of Nations' Title that year in Lagos. Nigeria came out as runners-up three times and had one group stage elimination, between 1982 and 1990. They also failed to qualify for the 1986 Africa Cup of Nations hosted by Egypt.

1992–2006

Nigeria appeared again in the African Cup of Nations in 1992 and 1994, they finished third in 1992 and won the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations, which was the second time they won the tournament.

Countries qualified for the 1994 FIFA World Cup are shown in dark green
Clemens Westerhof managed the team from 1989 through the 1994 World Cup.

Nigeria finally reached the World Cup for the first time in 1994 after years of struggling to get there. They were managed by Clemens Westerhof. Nigeria topped their group which included Argentina, Bulgaria, and Greece. Nigeria defeated Bulgaria 3–0, lost to Argentina 1–2, and reached the second round after a 2–0 victory over Greece. In the second round, Nigeria played Italy and took the lead with a goal from Emmanuel Amunike in the 25th minute. Nigeria was within two minutes of qualifying for the quarter-finals, when Roberto Baggio scored to take the game to extra time. He also scored the eventual winning goal. The game ended 2–1 in favour of the Italians. In 1996 the team withdrew from that year's African Cup of Nations under pressure from the country's military dictator Sani Abacha due to the criticism received from the tournament hosts South Africa and especially its president Nelson Mandela, for the execution of Ogoni activist Ken Saro-Wiwa. Nigeria was subsequently banned from entering the 1998 African Cup of Nations.

In 1998, Nigeria returned to the World Cup alongside Cameroon, Morocco, Tunisia, and South Africa. Optimism was high due to its manager Bora Milutinović and the return of most 1994 squad members. In the final tournament Nigeria were drawn into group D with Spain, Bulgaria, Paraguay. Nigeria scored a major upset by defeating Spain 3–2 after coming back twice from being 1–0 and 2–1 down. The Eagles qualified for the second round with a win against Bulgaria and a loss to Paraguay. The team's hopes of surpassing its 1994 performance were shattered after a 1–4 loss to Denmark. This is currently the only World Cup that Nigeria qualified for without playing Argentina in the tournament finals.

In 2000 they returned to the Cup of Nations and were the runner-up and subsequently finished in third place at the 2002, 2004 and 2006 Africa Cup of Nations.

2002 and 2006 World Cups

The 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan saw Nigeria again qualify with optimism. With a new squad and distinctive pastel green kits, the Super Eagles were expected to build on its strong performances in the 2000 and 2002 African Cup of Nations. Nigeria was drawn into group F with powerhouses Sweden, Argentina, and England. The first game against Argentina started with a strong defense that kept the first half scoreless. In the 61st minute, Gabriel Batistuta breached the Nigerian defense to put Argentina in the lead 1–0, and Argentina would go on to win the game. Nigeria's second game against Sweden saw them take the lead but later lose 2–1. Nigeria then drew 0–0 with England and bowed out in the first round.

Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2006 World Cup after finishing level on points in the qualification group with Angola, but having an inferior record in the matches between the sides.

2008–2013

Egypt versus Nigeria lineup at 2010 Africa Cup of Nations, Uzomedia

In the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations, Nigeria ended their campaign in the quarter finals after losing to Ghana. They qualified for 2010 Africa Cup of Nations, hosted by Angola, but were eliminated by Ghana in the semi-finals.

On 14 November 2009, Nigeria qualified for the 2010 World Cup after defeating Kenya by 3–2 in Nairobi.

Nigeria played against South Korea at the 2010 FIFA World Cup

Nigeria lost its opening match against Argentina 1–0 at Ellis Park Stadium following a controversial Gabriel Heinze header in the 6th minute. In its second game Nigeria led early on by a goal from Kalu Uche. A red card against Sani Kaita gave Greece the advantage. Greece scored the equaliser late in the first half and Nigeria conceded the second goal in the second half and lost the game 2–1. In their last group stage match against South Korea, Nigeria took an early lead in the 12th minute off of a great finish by Kalu Uche after a low cross from Chidi Odiah. However, goals from Lee Jung-Soo and Park Chu-Young gave South Korea a 2–1 lead, which looked to be enough for South Korea to advance into the round of 16. However, Nigeria got a chance in the 66th minute, on the end of a pass from Ayila Yussuf that was fed through the South Korean defense was none other than Yakubu, once the pass found Yakubu's foot about four yards away from the empty goal, Yakubu pushed the ball wide of the left post to leave South Korea still ahead 2–1. Three minutes later, Yakubu was able to calmly finish a penalty to knot the score at two apiece, but Nigeria was unable to score again and the match ended in a 2–2 draw. With this result, Nigeria was eliminated from the 2010 World Cup with just one point, while South Korea advanced into the round of 16 with four points. On 30 June 2010, following the team's early exit and poor showing, the then President of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan suspended the national football team from international competition for two years. This suspension put the team at risk of being banned from international football by FIFA for reasons of political interference.

On 5 July 2010, the Nigerian government rescinded its ban of the national football team from FIFA/CAF football competitions, but the sanction of suspension was applied by FIFA some three months after. On 4 October 2010, Nigeria was indefinitely banned from international football due to government interference following the 2010 World Cup. Four days later, however, the ban was "provisionally lifted" until 26 October, the day after the officially unrecognised players' union – National Association of Nigerian Footballers (NANF) dropped its court case against the NFF.

Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations after ending the qualifiers with a 2–2 draw against Guinea with goals from Ikechukwu Uche and Victor Obinna, but were successful in their 2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualification campaign, qualifying for the final tournament in South Africa after an 8–3 aggregate win over Liberia; after playing through the tournament with an unbeaten run, they defeated Burkina Faso 1–0 in the final to lift the Cup for the third time. However, they did not qualify for either of the next two tournaments.

2014–present

2014 World Cup

Line-ups for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Group F match between Nigeria and Bosnia & Herzegovina

Nigeria's campaign in the 2014 FIFA World Cup opened with a disappointing 0–0 draw against Iran. Four days later the team played their second game against Bosnia and Herzegovina. A controversial 29th-minute Peter Odemwingie goal gave Nigeria their first World Cup match win since 1998. They faced Argentina another four days later: a 3rd minute Lionel Messi goal for the opposition was followed almost instantly with an equalizer by Ahmed Musa. Messi gave Argentina the lead back just before half-time. In the second half, Musa leveled the game out again, Lionel Messi was substituted and handed over his captaincy to Marcos Rojo only for Rojo to put Argentina 3–2 ahead minutes later.

Nigeria lost the match, but still qualified for the round of 16. In the Round of 16, Nigeria faced France, an 18th-minute stabbed shot from Emmanuel Emenike saw the ball in the net, past the French goal-keeper but the goal was ruled off-side by the linesman. Nigeria held them off until the 79th minute when a cross and a Paul Pogba header gifted France the lead. An accidental own goal by Super Eagles Captain Joseph Yobo in injury time put the result beyond any doubt: Nigeria was out. This is the third time Nigeria is eliminated in the round of 16 and they were not still able to enter the Quarter-finals in the FIFA World Cup.

2018 World Cup

Nigeria vs Iceland at the 2018 FIFA World Cup
Nigeria vs Argentina at the 2018 FIFA World Cup

On 24 June 2016, The Confederation of African Football released the draw for the 3rd round of the World Cup qualifiers which saw Nigeria grouped in what was described as a "group of death"; alongside Zambia, Algeria, and Cameroon. Nigeria started their group stage matches with a 2–1 win over Zambia in Ndola and defeated Algeria 3–1 in their second match at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium. They went on to beat Cameroon 5–1 home and away in a back to back contest.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria became the first African team to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup after beating Zambia 1–0 in Uyo. On 3 June 2018, coach Gernot Rohr unveiled a 23-man squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Nigeria lost their first match of the tournament 0–2 to Croatia in Kaliningrad, before they won 2–0 in the second match against a brave Iceland, with Ahmed Musa scoring both goals. Nigeria had a huge chance to qualify to the next round as Argentina was demolished 3–0 by Croatia. Despite this advantage, they lost 2–1 in their last group stage match against Argentina, with one goal by Victor Moses. For this defeat, and followed with Iceland's defeat to Croatia, Nigeria missed the opportunity to advance to the round of 16 and got eliminated from the tournament.

2019 Africa Cup of Nations

The Super Eagles started their campaign at the 2019 AFCON by defeating Burundi 1–0 in group B opening match. They went on to defeat Guinea and lost 2–0 to Madagascar in their final group stage match. The round of 16 saw the national football team of Nigeria defeating Cameroon 3–2 with goals coming from Jude Ighalo and Iwobi, they later went on to confront South Africa in the quarter-finals of the tournament. An 89th-minute header from Troost-Ekong gave Nigeria the lead over South Africa and the match ended 2–1 in favour of Nigeria. Nigeria faced Algeria in the semi-finals and were knocked out of the tournament after a 95th-minute free kick from Riyad Mahrez gave Algeria the lead. The Super Eagles later faced Tunisia in a third place match which they won 1–0 with the only goal coming from Ighalo which made him the top scorer of the tournament.

Cyriel Dessers played his first game for the national football team of Nigeria in 2020.

2021 Africa Cup of Nations

On 18 July 2019, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) released the draw for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualification. The Super Eagles were grouped in group L alongside Lesotho, Benin, and Sierra Leone. Nigeria started out by defeating Benin 2–1 at Uyo in their first group match and later went on to beat Lesotho 4–2 in an away match. In March 2020, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the CAF postponed all AFCON qualifiers indefinitely. Subsequently, on 30 June 2020, CAF rescheduled the 2021 African Cup of Nations to 2022, to take place from 9 January to 6 February 2022. The qualifiers resumed on 9 November 2020.

The 2021 AFCON started on 9 January 2022, and Nigeria was the only team in the tournament to win all three group stage matches after defeating Egypt 1–0, Sudan 3–1, and Guinea-Bissau 2–0. However, Nigeria lost 1–0 in the round of 16 to Tunisia on 23 January.

2022 World Cup

Nigeria failed to qualify for the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 16 years, losing to Ghana on the away goals rule after drawing 0–0 in Ghana and 1–1 in Nigeria.

2023 Africa Cup of Nations

The Super Eagles started their campaign at the 2023 AFCON by drawing 1–1 to Equatorial Guinea in their opening group A match. They went on to defeat hosts Ivory Coast 1–0 and defeated Guinea Bissau in the same scoreline. The round of 16 saw the national football team of Nigeria defeating Cameroon 2–0 with a brace from Ademola Lookman, they later went on to defeat Angola in the quarter-finals of the tournament thanks to a first half strike from Lookman. Nigeria faced South Africa in the semi-finals. Substitute Kelechi Iheanacho scored to give Nigeria a 4–2 penalty shootout victory over South Africa. The match finished 1–1 after extra time. In the final, the Super Eagles finished as runners-up, losing 2–1 to hosts Ivory Coast.

Team image

Argentina versus Nigeria in a friendly match on 14 November 2017

Kits and crest

The Nigeria national team has traditionally used a mostly-solid green on green primary set with white numbering, lettering, and highlights; coupled with all-white reversed secondary kits, all emblematic of the colours of the Nigerian flag. The shade of green has varied over the years. An olive drab-tinged, forest green was frequently favoured during the 1980s to the early 1990s, and jade has appeared in each of those decades as well; even harlequin has been used. Over the last decade, the team has appeared to settle on the more standard office green which most closely resembles the shade used on the flag. Nigeria's first national teams used a solid scarlet top over white shorts and socks until the country adopted its current colours after its independence.

On 23 April 2015, Nike was announced to be the supplier of Nigeria's kits after Adidas ended their kit contract with the NFF. Before that, Nike supplied Nigeria's kit between 1994 and 2003. The kit Nike designed for Nigeria to wear at the 2018 World Cup went on to become one of the most popular international kits for collectors.

Kit suppliers

Kit supplierPeriodNotes
West Germany Erima1980–1984Used during early golden era including 1980 AFCON win.
United Kingdom Admiral1984–1987Featured during Nigeria's rebuilding phase.
Germany Adidas1988–1994Worn during 1994 AFCON win and USA 1994 World Cup.
United States Nike1994–2003Worn during Nigeria's debut Olympic gold (1996) and three World Cups (1994, 1998, 2002).
Germany Adidas2004–2014Kit supplier for 2006, 2010, and 2014 World Cup squads.
United States Nike2015–presentIconic 2018 World Cup kit went viral globally. Also used for 2019, 2021, and 2023 AFCONs.

Kit deals

Kit supplierPeriodAnnouncedDurationValueNotes
United States Nike2015–present23 April 20151 May 2015 – 30 October 2018 (3.5 years)US$3.75 million (₦743 million)
20 November 20181 November 2018 – 31 December 2026 (8 years 2 months)UndisclosedThe new deal is reported to be worth significantly more than the previous US$3.75 million contract.

Nigeria's national team image has evolved throughout its history. Before independence, they were nicknamed the "Red Devils" due to their red-topped kits. After independence, the name was changed to the "Green Eagles", referencing the national flag and the eagle from the coat of arms. Though still known as the Green Eagles at the 1988 Africa Cup of Nations, the name "Super Eagles" was officially adopted at a post-tournament reception.

Today, only the senior men's national team uses the "Super Eagles" nickname. The women's team is known as the "Super Falcons", while the male youth teams are the "Flying Eagles" (U-20) and the "Golden Eaglets" (U-17).

Media coverage

The Nigerian football federation currently has an active deal with the parent company of AIT and Ray Power Radio. Internationally, Nigeria's qualifiers and African Cup matches are regularly broadcast abroad by the multi-platform international sports network, beIN Sports and South African broadcaster SuperSport. Nigeria's international friendlies are regularly scheduled in the UK through independent organisers are marketed to the country's large population of Nigerian expatriates.

Supporters

Nigerian football supporters at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia

Though the club is most notable at Nigeria's home matches wearing green-themed embroidered outfits specific to the club along with wigs, hats and large sunglasses while dancing, singing, playing drums and trumpets, as well as carrying pom poms, culturally significant objects, inflatable beachballs, and waving flags; they have also shown a presence travelling abroad to support Nigeria in away matches. However, the club's efforts at improving the atmosphere at Nigeria's home and away matches are beset by funding issues, corruption and infighting. The club's current head, Rafiu Ladipo, has drawn criticism from its membership and is under pressure to defer the leadership to one of his deputies.

A regular sight at Nigerian home matches is also their brass and percussion band, whose rendition of well-known Highlife songs provides Nigerian home matches with a unique feel. In Nigeria, these performers are occasionally conspicuous with their military uniforms or they may be members of the Football Supporters Club. A popular chant among supporters from all over the country, after a goal scored, is "Oshe Baba!", which means "Thank you father!" in Yoruba.

Rivalries

Ghana

Many important matches have been played against various nations who have been occasional rivals. Of these nations, Ghana is widely considered Nigeria's primary rival as the two sides have met one another more than any other opponent, as well as being two of the most successful national teams in Africa. Nigeria has enjoyed periods of success. The most notable of these periods are the early contests during the 1950s, and matches that took place in the early 2000s.

Ghana vs. Nigeria in the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations Quarter-Final

FIFA lists the first official match between the two as a World Cup qualifier match in 1960. However both national teams had already engaged in competitive matches dating back to 1950. The national teams of these two West African countries were formed during the time in which both remained protectorates of the British Empire. At that time the modern-day nation of Ghana was known as the Gold Coast. Nigeria, prior to adopting the national colours of green and white, wore scarlet tops over white shorts and were known as the "Red Devils". The two sides played for several rivalry and tournament cups during this period in which full international competition was barred to them. The encounter between these two teams is commonly known as the Jollof Derby.

Cameroon

Nigeria's neighbours to the east, Cameroon, have also played Nigeria a number of times over the years. The teams have met three times in the final of the African Cup of Nations with Cameroon winning each time. Both carry histories of continental success and World Cup representation that is nearly unrivaled on the African continent.

Their rivalry began in 1960 and since then, Nigeria has proved to be a more dominating team, but in all three AFCON Final matches in 1984, 1988 and 2000, Cameroon prevailed over Nigeria.

Nigeria has qualified for six FIFA World Cup finals, advancing from the group stage three times (1994, 1998 and 2014), getting knocked out in the round of 16 all three times, while Cameroon has qualified eight times, advancing from the group stage only once (1990) though they made it to the quarter-finals in that edition.

Other African nations

There is also a number of competitive matches with Algeria dating back to the 1970s. The two sides met twice in the African Cup of Nations finals, with each nation splitting the win totals. It was a 1–1 draw in Algeria on 8 October 1993 that enabled Nigeria to claim its first World Cup berth in the 1994 edition of the tournament. Nigeria since then had an undefeated streak against Algeria, until the semi-finals of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations when Algeria prevailed over Nigeria.

Nigeria's western neighbour, Benin, has played competitive matches with the team since the period of European colonisation when they were known as Dahomey. But with only two wins and two draws to Benin's credit against Nigeria's fourteen wins, and with the sides having only met six times since 1980, Benin remains a lightly regarded opponent.

Argentina

Nigeria starting eleven versus Argentina at the 2018 FIFA World Cup

In five of its six World Cup appearances, Nigeria was drawn in the group stage with three-time champion Argentina and is regarded by many fans as having fairly acquitted themselves against the footballing giant. The fixture is the most common in the competition's history involving an African nation. All five matches have been won by Argentina, but all were by a one-goal margin (2–1 in 1994, 1–0 in 2002, 1–0 in 2010, 3–2 in 2014 and 2–1 in 2018) and have been tightly contested. To date, Nigeria has recorded two wins against Argentina's six, with the victories occurring during friendly matches. Nigeria came close to defeating Argentina in their first meeting, during which they held a lead for some minutes of the match. This was followed by a Confederations Cup match in 1995 which saw Nigeria hold the South Americans to a 0–0 draw. Below full international level, their Olympic teams also faced off in the gold medal match in 1996 (3–2 to Nigeria), and 2008 (1–0 to Argentina). The final of the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship was also played between them; both Argentina goals in their 2–1 win were scored by Lionel Messi, who would go on to find the net for the senior team in the 2014 and 2018 World Cup fixtures.

The match-up holds some importance to many Nigerian football fans who regard the challenge as an important measuring stick for the development of Nigerian football. Argentine fans for their part, typically do not regard Nigeria as a rival. Although it means less to Argentine fans, matches against Nigeria are always seen as needing to be played with caution.

Home stadium

Abuja home stadium

The Moshood Abiola National Stadium (formerly known as National Stadium, Abuja) serves as the official home stadium of the Super Eagles. Several international matches are played in other stadiums across the country. However, since the construction of Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, most of the Super Eagles' important home matches have been played there.

Super Eagles match venues

StadiumCapacityCommissionedCityState/TerritoryRef
Godswill Akpabio International Stadium30,0002012UyoAkwa Ibom
Stephen Keshi Stadium22,0002018AsabaDelta
Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium38,0002015Port HarcourtRivers
Moshood Abiola National Stadium60,4912000AbujaFCT
Lagos National Stadium45,0001972SurulereLagos
U. J. Esuene Stadium16,0001977CalabarCross River
Teslim Balogun Stadium24,3251984SurulereLagos
Obafemi Awolowo Stadium25,0001960IbadanOyo
Sani Abacha Stadium16,0001998KanoKano
Ahmadu Bello Stadium16,0001965KadunaKaduna
Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium22,0001986EnuguEnugu
Liberation Stadium16,000Port HarcourtRivers

Results and fixtures

The following is a list of football match results in the last 12 months, as well as any future matches that have been scheduled.

Win Draw Loss Fixture

2025

21 March 2026 FIFA World Cup qualificationRwanda0–2NigeriaKigali, Rwanda
17:00 UTC+1Osimhen 11', 45+3'Stadium: Stade Amahoro Referee: Jalal Jayed (Morocco)
25 March 2026 FIFA World Cup qualificationNigeria1–1ZimbabweUyo, Nigeria
17:00 UTC+1Osimhen 74'Chirewa 90'Stadium: Godswill Akpabio International Stadium Referee: Tsegay Mogos Teklu (Eritrea)
28 May 2025 Unity CupNigeria2–1GhanaLondon, England
Dessers 14' Simpson 19' (o.g.)Thomas-Asante 70'Stadium: Gtech Community Stadium Referee: Stuart Attwell (England)
31 May 2025 Unity CupNigeria2–2 (5–4 p)JamaicaLondon, England
Simon 9' Chukwueze 53'Dixon 12' Russell 63'Stadium: Gtech Community Stadium Attendance: 17250 Referee: Stuart Attwell (England)
Penalties
Iheanacho Simon Arokodare Onyemaechi UcheKing Hayden Morrison Atkinson Bell
6 June Friendly matchRussia1–1NigeriaMoscow, Russia
20:00 UTC+3Ajayi 27' (o.g.)Arokodare 71'Stadium: Luzhniki Stadium Attendance: 45638 Referee: Aliyar Aghayev (Azerbaijan)
6 September 2026 FIFA World Cup qualificationNigeria1–0RwandaUyo, Nigeria
17:00 UTC+1Arokodare 51'Stadium: Godswill Akpabio International Stadium Referee: Alhadi Allaou Mahamat (Chad)
9 September 2026 FIFA World Cup qualificationSouth Africa1–1NigeriaBlomfontein, South Africa
18:00 UTC+2Troost-Ekong 25' (o.g.)Bassey 44'Stadium: Free State Stadium Referee: Pierre Atcho (Gabon)
10 October 2026 FIFA World Cup qualificationLesotho1–2NigeriaPolokwane, South Africa
Kalake 83'Troost-Ekong 55' (pen.) Adams 80'Stadium: Peter Mokaba Stadium Referee: Alhadi Allaou Mahamat (Chad)
14 October 2026 FIFA World Cup qualificationNigeria4–0BeninUyo, Nigeria
17:00 UTC+1Osimhen 3', 37', 51' Onyeka 90+1'Stadium: Godswill Akpabio International Stadium Referee: Amin Omar (Egypt)
13 November 2026 FIFA World Cup qualificationNigeria4–1(a.e.t.)GabonRabat, Morocco
Adams 78' Ejuke 97' Osimhen 102', 110'Lemina 89'Stadium: Moulay Hassan Stadium Referee: Abongile Tom (South Africa)
16 November 2026 FIFA World Cup qualificationNigeria1–1 (3–4 p)DR CongoRabat, Morocco
20:00 UTC+1Onyeka 3'Elia 32'Stadium: Moulay Hassan Stadium Referee: Jalal Jayed (Morocco)
Penalties
Bassey Simon Adams Onyemaechi Ejuke AjayiMoutoussamy Sadiki Tuanzebe Mayele Balikwisha Mbemba
16 December FriendlyEgypt2–1NigeriaCairo, Egypt
20:00 UTC+2Saber 28' M. Mohamed 53'Awaziem 45+3'Stadium: Cairo International Stadium Referee: Mahmoud Nagy (Egypt)
23 December 2025 AFCON GSNigeria2–1TanzaniaFez, Morocco
18:30 UTC+1Ajayi 36' Lookman 52'M'Mombwa 50'Stadium: Fez Stadium Attendance: 11,444 Referee: Dahane Beida (Mauritania)
27 December 2025 AFCON GSNigeria3–2TunisiaFez, Morocco
21:00 UTC+1Osimhen 44' Ndidi 50' Lookman 67'Talbi 74' Abdi 87' (pen.)Stadium: Fez Stadium Attendance: 25,544 Referee: Boubou Traore (Mali)
30 December 2025 AFCON GSUganda1–3NigeriaFez, Morocco
17:00 UTC+1Salim 56' Mato 75'Onuachu 28' Onyedika 62', 67'Stadium: Fez Stadium Attendance: 11,545 Referee: Djindo Louis Houngnandande (Benin)

2026

5 January 2025 AFCON R16Nigeria4–0MozambiqueFez, Morocco
20:00 UTC+1Lookman 20' Osimhen 25', 47' Adams 75'Stadium: Fez Stadium Attendance: 14,593 Referee: Abdou Abdel Mefire (Cameroon)
10 January 2025 AFCON QFAlgeria0–2NigeriaMarrakesh, Morocco
17:00 UTC+1Osimhen 47' Adams 57'Stadium: Marrakesh Stadium Attendance: 32,452 Referee: Issa Sy (Senegal)
14 January 2025 AFCON SFNigeria0–0 (2–4 p)MoroccoRabat, Morocco
21:00 UTC+1Stadium: Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium Attendance: 65,458 Referee: Daniel Nii Laryea (Ghana)
Penalties
Onuachu Chukwueze Dele-Bashiru OnyemaechiEl Aynaoui Igamane Ben Seghir Hakimi En-Nesyri
17 January 2025 AFCON Third-place matchEgypt0–0 (2–4 p)NigeriaCasablanca, Morocco
17:00 UTC+1Stadium: Mohammed V Stadium Attendance: 38,113 Referee: Jalal Jayed (Morocco)
Penalties
Salah Marmoush Rabia SaberDele-Bashiru Adams Simon Iwobi Lookman
27 March 2026 Jordan International TournamentIran1–2NigeriaAntalya, Turkey
16:00 UTC+3Taremi 67'Simon 7' Adams 51'Stadium: Corendon Airlines Park Attendance: 0 Referee: Cihan Aydın (Turkey)
31 March 2026 Jordan International TournamentJordan2–2NigeriaAntalya, Turkey
20:30 UTC+3Al-Taamari 17' Al-Dawoud 77'Simon 25' Fernandez 41'Stadium: Mardan Sports Complex Attendance: 0 Referee: Atilla Karaoğlan (Turkey)
26 May 2026 Unity CupNigeriavZimbabweLondon, England
19:30 UTC+1Stadium: The Valley
30 May 2026 Unity CupNigeriavJamaica/IndiaLondon, England
Stadium: The Valley
3 June FriendlyPolandvNigeriaWarsaw, Poland
20:45 CEST (UTC+2)Stadium: Stadion Narodowy
10 June FriendlyPortugalvNigeriaPortugal
--:-- EEST (UTC+01:00)Stadium: TBD

Coaching staff

The current Nigerian (Super Eagles) managerial staff is made up of a technical adviser who serves as the coach in charge of full international matches and a chief coach who serves as the first assistant coach. The second assistant coach is in charge of the home-based team as well as the CHAN tournament and other home based competitions. Other positions also include the technical assistant and the goalkeeper trainer.

PositionName
Technical directorNigeria Augustine Eguavoen
Head coachMali Éric Chelle
Assistant coachFrance Hedi Taboubi
Assistant coachNigeria Fidelis Ilechuku
Assistant coachNigeria Daniel Ogunmodede
Goalkeeping coachFrance Jean-Daniel Padovani
Fitness coachSlovenia Tomaž Zorec
Video analystNigeria Afolabi Adebayo
Match analystNigeria Eboboritse Uwejamomere

Coaching history

Caretaker managers are listed in italics.

Players

Current squad

The following players were called up for the 2026 Jordan International Tournament matches against Iran and Jordan on 27 and 31 March 2026; respectively. Caps and goals correct as of 31 March 2026, after the match against Jordan.

No.Pos.PlayerDate of birth (age)CapsGoalsClub
11GKFrancis Uzoho(1998-10-28)28 October 1998(age 27)370Cyprus Football Association Omonia
161GKAdebayo Adeleye(2000-05-17)17 May 2000(age 25)20Cyprus Football Association Enosis Neon Paralimni
1GKMaduka Okoye(1999-08-28)28 August 1999(age 26)190Italian Football Federation Udinese
22DFBright Osayi-Samuel(1997-12-31)31 December 1997(age 28)340The Football Association Birmingham City
32DFZaidu Sanusi(1997-06-13)13 June 1997(age 28)300Portuguese Football Federation Porto
52DFIgoh Ogbu(2000-02-08)8 February 2000(age 26)90Football Association of the Czech Republic Slavia Prague
182DFEmmanuel Fernandez(2001-11-20)20 November 2001(age 24)21Scottish Football Association Rangers
212DFChibuike Nwaiwu(2003-07-23)23 July 2003(age 22)10Turkish Football Federation Trabzonspor
2DFSemi Ajayi(1993-11-09)9 November 1993(age 32)542The Football Association Hull City
2DFBruno Onyemaechi(1999-04-03)3 April 1999(age 27)280Hellenic Football Federation Olympiacos
43MFWilfred Ndidi(1996-12-16)16 December 1996(age 29)771Turkish Football Federation Beşiktaş
83MFFrank Onyeka(1998-01-01)1 January 1998(age 28)433The Football Association Coventry City
103MFFisayo Dele-Bashiru(2001-02-06)6 February 2001(age 25)172Italian Football Federation Lazio
203MFRaphael Onyedika(2001-04-19)19 April 2001(age 24)243Royal Belgian Football Association Club Brugge
74FWAdemola Lookman(1997-10-20)20 October 1997(age 28)4311Royal Spanish Football Federation Atlético Madrid
94FWAkor Adams(2000-01-29)29 January 2000(age 26)135Royal Spanish Football Federation Sevilla
114FWSamuel Chukwueze(1999-05-22)22 May 1999(age 26)587The Football Association Fulham
124FWPhilip Otele(1999-04-15)15 April 1999(age 27)10German Football Association Hamburger SV
144FWChidera Ejuke(1998-01-02)2 January 1998(age 28)141Royal Spanish Football Federation Sevilla
154FWMoses Simon(1995-07-12)12 July 1995(age 30)9612French Football Federation Paris FC
174FWAlex Iwobi(1996-05-03)3 May 1996(age 29)9910The Football Association Fulham
194FWPaul Onuachu(1994-05-28)28 May 1994(age 31)314Turkish Football Federation Trabzonspor
224FWYira Sor(2000-07-24)24 July 2000(age 25)10Royal Belgian Football Association Genk

Recent call-ups

The following players have also been called up to the Nigeria squad within the last twelve months.

Pos.PlayerDate of birth (age)CapsGoalsClubLatest call-up
GKStanley Nwabali(1996-06-10)10 June 1996(age 29)340Unattached2025 Africa Cup of Nations
GKAmas Obasogie(1999-12-27)27 December 1999(age 26)10Tanzania Football Federation Singida Black Stars2025 Africa Cup of Nations
GKEbenezer Harcourt(2009-10-21)21 October 2009(age 16)10Nigeria Football Federation Sporting Lagos2025 Africa Cup of Nations PRE
DFCalvin Bassey(1999-12-31)31 December 1999(age 26)430The Football Association Fulhamv. Iran, 27 March 2026 INJ
DFChidozie Awaziem(1997-01-01)1 January 1997(age 29)402French Football Federation Nantes2025 Africa Cup of Nations
DFRyan Alebiosu(2001-12-17)17 December 2001(age 24)10The Football Association Blackburn Rovers2025 Africa Cup of Nations
DFWilliam Troost-Ekong RET(1993-09-01)1 September 1993(age 32)828Qatar Football Association Al-Ahli2025 Africa Cup of Nations PRE
DFOla Aina(1996-10-08)8 October 1996(age 29)480The Football Association Nottingham Forest2025 Africa Cup of Nations PRE / INJ
DFAdeleke Adekunle(2002-07-27)27 July 2002(age 23)10Nigeria Football Federation Abia Warriors2025 Africa Cup of Nations PRE
DFFelix Agu(1999-09-27)27 September 1999(age 26)10German Football Association Werder Bremen2025 Africa Cup of Nations PRE
DFEmmanuel Michael(2006-06-16)16 June 2006(age 19)00Austrian Football Association LASK2025 Africa Cup of Nations PRE
DFBenjamin Fredrick(2005-05-28)28 May 2005(age 20)70Royal Belgian Football Association Denderv. DR Congo, 16 November 2025
DFSodiq Ismail(2003-08-13)13 August 2003(age 22)20Football Association of Slovenia Primorjev. Russia, 6 June 2025
DFIfeanyi Onyebuchi(2000-04-04)4 April 2000(age 26)10Nigeria Football Federation Rangers Internationalv. Russia, 6 June 2025
DFNduka Junior(2003-08-01)1 August 2003(age 22)00Iraq Football Association Al-Najafv. Russia, 6 June 2025
DFWaliu Ojetoye(2004-04-29)29 April 2004(age 21)00Football Association of the Czech Republic Sellier & Bellot Vlašimv. Russia, 6 June 2025
MFEbenezer Akinsanmiro(2004-11-25)25 November 2004(age 21)10Italian Football Federation Pisa2025 Africa Cup of Nations
MFTochukwu Nnadi(2003-06-30)30 June 2003(age 22)10French Football Federation Marseille2025 Africa Cup of Nations
MFMuhammed Usman(1994-03-02)2 March 1994(age 32)00Israel Football Association Ironi Tiberias2025 Africa Cup of Nations
MFAlhassan Yusuf(2000-07-18)18 July 2000(age 25)80United States Soccer Federation New England Revolution2025 Africa Cup of Nations PRE
MFChristantus Uche(2003-05-19)19 May 2003(age 22)30The Football Association Crystal Palace2025 Africa Cup of Nations PRE
MFPeter Agba(2002-12-20)20 December 2002(age 23)00Israel Football Association Maccabi Haifa2025 Africa Cup of Nations PRE
MFTom Dele-Bashiru(1999-09-17)17 September 1999(age 26)00Turkish Football Federation Gençlerbirliği2025 Africa Cup of Nations PRE
MFPapa Daniel(2002-01-01)1 January 2002(age 24)10Football Association of Slovenia Celjev. Russia, 6 June 2025
MFChinemerem Ugwueze(2001-05-20)20 May 2001(age 24)10Nigeria Football Federation Plateau Unitedv. Russia, 6 June 2025
MFSaviour Isaac(2002-01-01)1 January 2002(age 24)00Egyptian Football Association Al Ittihad Alexandriav. Russia, 6 June 2025
FWVictor Osimhen(1998-12-29)29 December 1998(age 27)5135Turkish Football Federation Galatasaray2025 Africa Cup of Nations
FWCyriel Dessers(1994-12-08)8 December 1994(age 31)113Hellenic Football Federation Panathinaikos2025 Africa Cup of Nations
FWSalim Fago Lawal(2003-01-15)15 January 2003(age 23)20Football Association of the Czech Republic Viktoria Plzeň2025 Africa Cup of Nations
FWKelechi Iheanacho(1996-10-03)3 October 1996(age 29)5814Scottish Football Association Celtic2025 Africa Cup of Nations PRE
FWTerem Moffi(1999-05-25)25 May 1999(age 26)194Portuguese Football Federation Porto2025 Africa Cup of Nations PRE
FWUmar Sadiq(1997-02-02)2 February 1997(age 29)121Royal Spanish Football Federation Valencia2025 Africa Cup of Nations PRE
FWVictor Boniface(2000-12-23)23 December 2000(age 25)120German Football Association Werder Bremen2025 Africa Cup of Nations PRE / INJ
FWTolu Arokodare(2000-11-23)23 November 2000(age 25)102The Football Association Wolverhampton Wanderers2025 Africa Cup of Nations PRE
FWTaiwo Awoniyi(1997-08-12)12 August 1997(age 28)102The Football Association Nottingham Forest2025 Africa Cup of Nations PRE
FWOlakunle Olusegun(2002-04-23)23 April 2002(age 23)20Russian Football Union Pari Nizhny Novgorod2025 Africa Cup of Nations PRE
FWChisom Orji(2001-04-05)5 April 2001(age 25)10Nigeria Football Federation Warri Wolves2025 Africa Cup of Nations PRE
FWNathan Tella(1999-07-05)5 July 1999(age 26)10German Football Association Bayer Leverkusen2025 Africa Cup of Nations PRE
FWAbdulrasheed Shehu Dabai(2006-03-21)21 March 2006(age 20)00Nigeria Football Federation Niger Tornadoes2025 Africa Cup of Nations PRE
FWRafiu Durosinmi(2003-01-01)1 January 2003(age 23)00Italian Football Federation Pisa2025 Africa Cup of Nations PRE
FWChukwubuikem Ikwuemesi(2001-08-05)5 August 2001(age 24)00Royal Belgian Football Association Oud-Heverlee Leuven2025 Africa Cup of Nations PRE
FWEkeson Okorie(2004-05-28)28 May 2004(age 21)00Rwanda Football Federation Police2025 Africa Cup of Nations PRE
FWAhmed Musa(1992-10-14)14 October 1992(age 33)11016Nigeria Football Federation Kano Pillarsv. Russia, 6 June 2025
FWSikiru Alimi(1996-03-23)23 March 1996(age 30)10Algerian Football Federation JS Saourav. Russia, 6 June 2025
INJ The player is not part of the current squad due to injury PRE Preliminary squad/standby RET Retired from the national team SUS Serving suspension WD Player withdrew from the squad due to non-injury issue.

Player records

As of 31 March 2026

Statistics include official FIFA-recognised matches only.

Players in bold are still active with Nigeria.

Most appearances

Ahmed Musa is Nigeria's most capped player with 111 appearances.
RankPlayerCapsGoalsCareer
1Ahmed Musa110162010–2025
2Vincent Enyeama10102002–2015
Joseph Yobo10172001–2014
4Alex Iwobi99102015–present
5Moses Simon96122015–present
6Mikel John Obi9162005–2019
7Mudashiru Lawal86111975–1985
Nwankwo Kanu86121994–2011
9William Troost-Ekong8282015–2025
10Wilfred Ndidi7712015–present

Top goalscorers

RankPlayerGoalsCapsRatioCareer
1Rashidi Yekini37620.61983–1998
2Victor Osimhen35510.692017–present
3Segun Odegbami22470.471976–1981
4Yakubu Aigyegbeni21580.362000–2012
5Ikechukwu Uche19460.412007–2014
6Obafemi Martins18420.432004–2015
7Sunday Oyarekhua17280.611971–1976
Samson Siasia17490.351984–1998
9Odion Ighalo16370.432015–2022
Ahmed Musa161100.152010–2025

Competitive record

FIFA World Cup

FIFA World Cup recordQualification record
YearRoundPositionPldWDLGFGASquadPldWDLGFGATotal
Uruguay 1930Part of United KingdomPart of United Kingdom
1934 to 1958Not a FIFA memberNot a FIFA member
Chile 1962Did not qualify2011361962
England 1966WithdrewWithdrew
Mexico 1970Did not qualify834115121970
West Germany 19744121341974
Argentina 197883321781978
Spain 19828323881982
Mexico 198665011131986
Italy 19906312751990
United States 1994Round of 169th420274Squad85211751994
France 199812th420269Squad64111041998
South Korea Japan 2002Group stage27th301213Squad106221932002
Germany 2006Did not qualify106312172006
South Africa 2010Group stage27th301235Squad129302052010
Brazil 2014Round of 1616th411235Squad85301142014
Russia 2018Group stage21st310234Squad85211362018
Qatar 2022Did not qualify84311042022
Canada Mexico United States 20261256120102026
Morocco Portugal Spain 2030To be determinedTo be determined
Saudi Arabia 2034
TotalRound of 166/16216312233012266371920394

Notes

Africa Cup of Nations

Africa Cup of Nations recordQualification record
YearRoundPositionPldWD*LGFGASquadPldWD*LGFGA
Sudan 1957Not affiliated to CAFNot affiliated to CAF
United Arab Republic 1959
Ethiopia 1962Withdrew412145
Ghana 1963Group stage6th2002310Squad201123
Tunisia 1965WithdrewWithdrew
Ethiopia 1968Did not qualify411245
Sudan 1970WithdrewWithdrew
Cameroon 1972Did not qualify201112
Egypt 1974421179
Ethiopia 1976Third place3rd63121110Squad220031
Ghana 1978522185Squad421174
Nigeria 1980Champions1st541081SquadQualified as hosts
Libya 1982Group stage6th310245SquadQualified as holders
Ivory Coast 1984Runners-up2nd513178Squad412121
Egypt 1986Did not qualify201101
Morocco 1988Runners-up2nd513153Squad421163
Algeria 1990Runners-up530256Squad422082
Senegal 1992Third place3rd540185Squad8431153
Tunisia 1994Champions1st532093Squad6321121
South Africa 1996WithdrewQualified as holders
Burkina Faso 1998BannedBanned
Ghana Nigeria 2000Runners-up2nd6420125SquadQualified as hosts
Mali 2002Third place3rd641152Squad642091
Tunisia 20046411115Squad422073
Egypt 2006641173Squad10631217
Ghana 2008Quarter-finals7th411233Squad6501103
Angola 2010Third place3rd631264Squad12930205
Equatorial Guinea Gabon 2012Did not qualify6321125
South Africa 2013Champions1st6420114Squad4220103
Equatorial Guinea 2015Did not qualify622297
Gabon 2017412122
Egypt 2019Third place3rd750297Squad6411146
Cameroon 2021Round of 169th430162Squad6420147
Ivory Coast 2023Runners-up2nd742184Squad6501224
Morocco 2025Third place3rd7520144Squad632193
Kenya Tanzania Uganda 2027To be determinedTo be determined
2028
Total3 Titles21/351106324231609913270412123096

*Denotes draws including knockout matches decided via a penalty shoot-out.

**Red border colour indicates tournament was held on home soil.

African Nations Championship

African Nations Championship record
YearRoundPositionPldWD*LGFGA
Ivory Coast 2009Did not qualify
Sudan 2011
Rwanda 2016Group stage10th311153
Morocco 2018Runners-up2nd641176
Cameroon 2020Did not qualify
Algeria 2022
Morocco 2025Third place3rd321084'
TotalRunners-up3/7158432417

WAFU Nations Cup

WAFU Nations Cup record
YearRoundPositionPldWDLGFGA
Nigeria 2010Champions1st550014
Nigeria 2011Runners-up2nd41009
Ghana 2013Did not enter
Ghana 2017Runners-up2nd41009
Senegal 2019Quarter-finals
Total1 Title3/413700329

FIFA Confederations Cup

FIFA Confederations Cup record
YearRoundPositionPldWD*LGFGASquad
Saudi Arabia 1992Did not qualify
Saudi Arabia 1995Fourth place4th312041Squad
Saudi Arabia 1997Did not qualify
Mexico 1999
South Korea Japan 2001
France 2003
Germany 2005
South Africa 2009
Brazil 2013Group stage5th310276Squad
Russia 2017Did not qualify
TotalFourth place2/106222117-
Olympic Games record
Olympic Games Olympic Games record Appearances: 3 Year Round Position Pld W D L GF GA 19001948 Part of Great Britain Finland 1952 Did not enter Australia 1956 Italy 1960 Did not qualify Japan 1964 Mexico 1968 Group stage 14th 3 0 1 2 4 9 Germany 1972 Did not qualify Canada 1976 Withdrew after qualifying Soviet Union 1980 Group stage 13th 3 0 1 2 2 5 United States 1984 Did not qualify South Korea 1988 Group stage 15th 3 0 0 3 1 8 Spain 1992 Banned Since 1992 See Nigeria national under-23 football team Total Group stage 3/19 9 0 2 7 7 22African Games African Games record Year Result Pld W D L GF GA Nigeria 1973 Gold medalists 5 4 1 0 14 7 Algeria 1978 Silver medalists 5 2 2 1 4 2 Total 2/4 0 0 0 0 0 0
Appearances: 3
YearRoundPositionPldWDLGFGA
19001948Part of Great Britain
Finland 1952Did not enter
Australia 1956
Italy 1960Did not qualify
Japan 1964
Mexico 1968Group stage14th301249
Germany 1972Did not qualify
Canada 1976Withdrew after qualifying
Soviet Union 1980Group stage13th301225
United States 1984Did not qualify
South Korea 1988Group stage15th300318
Spain 1992Banned
Since 1992See Nigeria national under-23 football team
TotalGroup stage3/199027722
African Games record
YearResultPldWDLGFGA
Nigeria 1973Gold medalists5410147
Algeria 1978Silver medalists522142
Total2/4000000

Honours

Intercontinental

Continental

Regional

Friendly

Awards

Summary

CompetitionTotal
CAF African Cup of Nations35917
CAF African Nations Championship0112
Afro-Asian Cup of Nations1001
Total46919

Notes

  1. Competition organized by ANOCA, officially not recognized by FIFA.

See also

Notes

Specific

Bibliography

  • Akpabot, Samuel Ekpe (1985). . London: Macmillan Publishers. ISBN 978-0-333-37931-8.

External links

  • – official site
  • at CAF
  • at FIFA
  • (archived 10 January 2012)