Unforgettable Memories of Nigeria National Football Team (Globally and Nationally)

Unforgettable Memories of Nigeria National Football
Nigeria national football team (male, female) have made remarkable contributions to the World football in the earliest years as against the witnesses of today. Thus, the attention accorded to Nigeria national teams (then) made them one of the fearful teams (today) due to the Atlanta 1996 triumph over the home of football (Brazil) in the SEMIs before knocking out Argentina in the FINAL.

Historical moments in World football is marked with lot of ups and downs depending on which suits the participant of the competition. Obviously, there is only one room for the victor while others follow suit - for ranking purposes. 
In the global face, Nigerian national team (male) won the Olympic 1996, and lately third place winner in Olympic 2016 hosted by Brazil while they face stiff competition from Cameroon (in particular), Ghana, Ivory Coast on their continental soil. Since inception, Nigeria national teams had won the Africa Cup of Nations three times; 1980, 1994, 2013, runners-up for four times; 1984, 1988, 1990, 2000.  The highest goal scorer so far is Rashidi Yekini (who died at 49years) with 37goals in 58caps (May His Soul Rest in Peace).

Without mincing words, the years of Nigerian national team (male) are not rosy throughout their global and national participation. Several years were soaked with tears for non-qualification to World Cup, untimely dismissal from the group stage, hunt/search for the golden fleece (national/international coach), lack of funding on the aspect of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), player-coach fall out, non-payment of coach salaries...

On the female national team angle, they have made huge successes at local level compared to their counterpart (male). As female football became popular in the globe, the frontliners were Brazil, Germany, United States of America while the dominant representative from Africa is the Nigerian team. At home, female Nigerian footballers were number one for decades before the other nations woke up. The trophies in their cabinets were majorly 9 as champions out of the 12 years - 1981 through 2016. Their biggest win is 9-0 against Sierra Leone and their worst lost to Germany and Norway (8-0). The face of the team so far is Perpetua Nkwocha with 80 goals in 98caps.

Nevertheless, set backs experienced by Nigeria female football is reflective in their lack of introducing/integration of young players, lack of proper preparation - friendlies outside the nation which should have made them competitive at war front. No matter the stand of Nigerian National team football in the world today - their memories will continue to linger in our heart.

Go "Super Eagles"
Go "Falconets"
#Giant of Africa#

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