As Nigeria gears up for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinal against Angola on Friday, February 2, their rich history in this stage of the tournament stands as a testament to success. The Super Eagles hold a 3-2 lead in head-to-head encounters with Angola, having never lost to Palancas Negras outside of Luanda.
A Quarterfinal Journey Unveiled
Historically, Nigeria has demonstrated exceptional performance in the quarterfinals, advancing in 90% of their previous ten clashes. The lone setback occurred in 2008, emphasizing their consistent excellence in this crucial stage. Let’s delve into their quarterfinal journey over the years.
1992 – Nigeria 1-0 Zaire
In their inaugural quarterfinal appearance, Nigeria secured a 1-0 victory against Zaire. The late Rashidi Yekini’s lone goal in the first half propelled them forward. The Super Eagles finished third in the tournament that year.
1994 – Zaire 0-2 Nigeria
Two years later, Nigeria faced Zaire again in the quarterfinals. Rashidi Yekini once again played a crucial role, scoring a brace in the second half, with the second goal coming from the penalty spot. Nigeria went on to lift the title by beating Zambia’s rebuilt national side 2-1 in the final in Tunis. Yekini won the Golden Boot for the second consecutive tournament.
2000 – Nigeria 2-1 Senegal
Nigeria returned to the finals in 2000 and faced Senegal in the quarterfinals. Khalilou Fadiga gave Senegal an early lead, but Julius Aghahowa equalized with five minutes remaining. Aghahowa then added a second early in extra time to give Nigeria safe passage. However, they lost on penalties to Cameroon in the final.
2002 – Nigeria 1-0 Ghana
In a clash of West African giants, Nigeria prevailed over Ghana in the quarters. Garba Lawal scored the winning goal 10 minutes from full time. Nigeria lost to Senegal in the semifinals but secured the bronze medal.
2004 – Cameroon 1-2 Nigeria
Another heavyweight clash unfolded in the quarters against Cameroon. Samuel Eto’o gave Cameroon the lead just before the break, but Jay-Jay Okocha equalized before halftime. John Utaka found the winning goal on 73 minutes, securing Nigeria’s place in the semifinals.
2006 – Nigeria 1-1 Tunisia
In 2006, Nigeria faced Tunisia in the quarterfinals, taking an early lead through Victor Obinna. Karim Haggui equalized for Tunisia early in the second half. The match went to penalties, with Nigeria winning 6-5 after a dramatic shootout. However, Nigeria lost to Ivory Coast in the semifinals.
2008 – Ghana 2-1 Nigeria
The Super Eagles’ only quarterfinal loss came in 2008 against hosts Ghana. Despite taking the lead through a Yakubu penalty on 35 minutes, Michael Essien equalized just before halftime, and Junior Agogo netted the winner with seven minutes remaining.
2010 – Zambia 0-0 Nigeria
In 2010, Nigeria faced Zambia in the quarterfinals. The match ended goalless, and Nigeria edged Zambia 5-4 on penalties. However, they lost 1-0 in the semifinals to nemesis Ghana.
2013 – Ivory Coast 1 Nigeria 2
A young Nigerian team, coached by the late Stephen Keshi, took on Ivory Coast’s Golden Generation in 2013. Emmanuel Emenike gave Nigeria the lead, but Cheick Tiote equalized. Sunday Mba had the final say 12 minutes from the end as Nigeria went on to lift the trophy by beating Burkina Faso in the final.
2019 – Nigeria 2-1 South Africa
In the latest quarterfinal encounter in 2019, Nigeria faced South Africa. Samuel Chukwueze put Nigeria in front in the first half, but Bongani Zungu equalized, seemingly heading for extra time. However, William Troost-Ekong capitalized on a goalkeeper error to score a minute from the end, sending Nigeria through. They lost to eventual champions Algeria in the semifinals.
As Nigeria anticipates the upcoming clash against Angola, their impressive quarterfinal track record serves as a source of confidence and motivation.
