Nigeria’s AFCON semi-final history: A recap

Nigeria’s journey in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has been marked by numerous semi-final appearances, highlighting the country’s prowess in African football. Here’s a recap of Nigeria’s performances in the AFCON semi-finals over the years:

1. 1976: Nigeria faced Morocco in what could be considered their semi-final match. Despite taking the lead, Nigeria conceded two late goals and finished third in the tournament.
2. 1978: Nigeria faced Uganda but suffered a defeat, leading them to the third-place match, which they won after Tunisia abandoned the game.
3. 1980: Nigeria defeated Morocco in the semi-finals but lost in the final to Algeria.
4. 1984: Nigeria staged a remarkable comeback against Egypt, winning 8-7 on penalties after trailing by two goals.
5. 1988: Nigeria drew with Algeria and eventually lost on penalties in a dramatic semi-final encounter.
6. 1990: Nigeria defeated Zambia in the semi-finals but lost to Algeria in the final.
7. 1992: Nigeria faced Ghana in the semi-finals but was defeated, ultimately finishing third in the tournament.
8. 1994: Nigeria drew with Cote d’Ivoire and eventually won on penalties, securing a spot in the final where they emerged victorious.
9. 2000: Nigeria defeated South Africa in the semi-finals but lost in the final to Cameroon.
10. 2002: Nigeria faced Senegal in the semi-finals but suffered a defeat, finishing third in the tournament.
11. 2004: Nigeria drew with Tunisia and eventually lost on penalties in the semi-finals, finishing third in the tournament.
12. 2006: Nigeria lost to Ivory Coast in the semi-finals but secured third place in the tournament.
13. 2010: Nigeria suffered a defeat to Ghana in the semi-finals but won the third-place match against Algeria.
14. 2013: Nigeria defeated Mali in the semi-finals and went on to win the tournament by defeating Burkina Faso in the final.
15. 2019: Nigeria lost to Algeria in the semi-finals but secured third place by defeating Tunisia in the third-place match.

Despite the outcome of the upcoming semi-final clash against South Africa, Nigeria’s legacy in AFCON remains unparalleled, with numerous semi-final appearances and medals to their name.