With a squad that contained the likes of famous football legends such as Austin Jay-Jay Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu, Joseph Yobo, John Utaka, and goalkeeper, Vincent Enyeama, the Super Eagles were greatly feared across the continent.
At the 2004 Africa Cup of Nations, Nigeria was selected into Group D alongside Morocco, South Africa and Benin.
Nigeria did not have the best start of the tournament as they lost their debut game 1-0 to Morocco.
However, that was the last for Nigeria as the team quickly rallied back into their winning ways to book a place in the knockout round of the tournament alongside Morocco.
Nigeria Vs South Africa
Of all the wins by Nigeria at the 2004 AFCON, the defat of South Africa was by far the most engrossing one to watch.
Nigeria took the lead in the fourth minute of the game thanks to a brilliant effort by Yobo.
However, things got very hard for the Nigerian team as the Bafana Bafana put up quite the fight to equalize.
All the efforts by Nigeria to assert their lead with a second goal was unsuccessful into the second half of the encounter.
In the 63rd minute, Kanu forced center back, Aaron Mokoena, to handle the ball in the box, winning Nigeria a much needed penalty.
Okocha got on the spot and scored Nigeria’s second goal, sending South Africa’s hopes crashing to the ground as the Eagles maintained dominance over them.
Odemwingie came in for Kanu in the 67th minute.
In the 81st minute, the forward scored Nigeria’s third goal.
Two minutes later Odemwingie got his brace as Nigeria claimed the win with four goals to nil.
Featured Image Source: sportsvillagesquare.com
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