Football is the most popular and widely practiced sport in Nigeria. Today, we bring you highlights of some of Nigeria’s best footballing moments in 2019.
When Super Eagles Won Bronze
While the national team aimed for a gold finish, finishing third at the 2019 CAF Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt is probably the greatest moment in Nigerian football this year. After the Golden Eagles and the Flying Eagles had less impressive World Cup outings, all attention was shifted to the Super Eagles. The Super Eagles beat Tunisia 1-0 to hand Nigeria bronze.
When Super Falconets Won Gold At The 12th All Africa Games
Nigeria’s women U20 team was outstanding at the 12th All Africa Games in Morocco. A 3-0 victory over Algeria in the semifinal of the women’s football category was a sweet revenge for Nigerians who mourned after the North Africans beat the Super Eagles in the semifinal of the AFCON in Egypt! The Christopher Danjuma tutored side would go on to win gold after beating Cameroon 3-2 via penalty shootout in the final.
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When Super Falcons Beat Niger 15-0
The Africa Women Cup of Nations (AWCON) champions proved their dominance in the continent after mauling Niger 15-0 in their second group game at the 2019 West Africa Football Union Cup (WAFU Cup). This result followed a 5-1 defeat of Burkina Faso in their first game.
Super Falcons Win WAFU Cup
A dominant Super Falcons squad would face a very difficult task in the final of the 2019 WAFU Cup. A 1-1 draw against their Ivorian rivals in normal time meant the game was dragged into penalty shootouts. The Super Falcons emerged victorious after a 5-4 penalty shootout win.
Flying Eagles Win Silver At The 12th AAG
After a less impressive outing at the 2019 FIFA U20 World Cup, the Flying Eagles had another chance to redeem their image. They would go all the way to the final of the men’s football category to win silver for Nigeria after a 2-0 defeat to Burkina Faso in the final.
When Nigeria Beat Cameroon 3-2 At The 2019 AFCON
Nigeria has a strong history of rivalry with the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon especially when the Africa Cup of Nations is concerned. The Super Eagles were pitched against Cameroon in the second round of the 2019 AFCON in Egypt. After falling to a 2-1 defeat in the first half of the game, an Odion Ighalo inspired come back and an Alex Iwobi stunner in the 66th minute of the game meant Nigeria won the game 3-2 to the excitement of Nigerian soccer enthusiasts within and outside the country.
When Super Falcons Beat South Korea
To the surprise of many, the Super Falcons put on a brilliant display to beat South Korea 2-0 in their second group game of the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup after a 3-0 loss to Norway in their first game. Winning South Korea handed Nigeria hope of advancing into the knockout stages of the competition.
When Super Falcons Advanced Into The Second Round Of The 2019 FIFA WWC
For the first time in 20 years, the Super Falcons advanced into the knockout phase of the FIFA Womens’ World Cup. The Nigerian side qualified as best losers after finishing the group stage with three points.
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Golden Eaglets Qualification For FIFA U17 World Cup
The Nigerian national U17 team put smile on the faces of many Nigerians after beating the Angolan U17 team at the 2019 CAF U17 Africa Cup of Nations in Tanzania to qualify for the FIFA U17 World Cup in Brazil. Many believed it was time for Nigeria to win a record six times FIFA U17 World Cup trophy after missing out on the last edition.
When Nigeria Drew Brazil In A Friendly Game
After the Nigerian Football Federation revealed that the Super Eagles would be facing the Brazilian national team on October 13, 2019 in Singapore, many soccer fans could not wait to rekindle the rivalry between both teams which started in the semifinal men’s football category event at the Atlanta 1996 Olympics (Nigeria won 4-3).
The October 13th game would end 1-1 after a Joe Aribo 35th minute opener was cancelled out by Casemiro’s equalizer for the South Americans in the 48th minute of the game.
Featured Image Source: Pulse NG
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