The rivalry between the Super Eagles and the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon is probably as old as football in Africa.
The fight for African football dominance is what makes the the African Cup of Nations, the most anticipated football tournament across the continent.
For Nigeria and Cameroon, this rivalry became a major event when both teams met at the final of the 1984 Africa Cup of Nations, hosted by Ivory Coast.
This was the first time both teams would meet at the final of the continental event, and for Nigeria, it was a fight to get back their place atop African football, having won the trophy in the 1980 edition.
This was the first time Cameroon was making it to the final of the event, and they were not the favorites to claim the coveted African crown.
However, the Indomitable Lions defeated Nigeria 3-1 in a shocking turn of events to win their first ever AFCON trophy.
Thus began the rivalry between Nigeria and Cameroon. The second time both teams met at an AFCON final was on March 27, 1988.
The Eagles were done by a 55th minute penalty by Cameroon defender Emmanuel Kunde, as the Lions claimed their second title.
The next time both African giants met in another AFCON final was in 2000.
This time the Eagles put up a really good fight that extended the riveting game into extra time.
The game moved into penalty shootout, where Nigeria lost by one goal.
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Interesting read.