As the Super Eagles gear up for their eighth Africa Cup of Nations campaign in North Africa, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has expressed optimism that Nigeria is on course for another tournament medal.
In a statement personally signed by its President-General, Senator John Azuta-Mbata, Ohanaeze said historical records show that North Africa has always been a favourable ground for the Super Eagles.
According to him, Nigeria’s strongest AFCON performances have repeatedly come on North African soil.
“There is nothing to fear. North Africa is a favourable ground. The Eagles finished as silver medalists the last time Morocco hosted, in 1988. They won another silver two years later at Algeria 1990.
The big one came in Tunisia 1994 when Nigeria lifted the trophy for the second time.
Bronze came again at Tunisia 2004, and two more bronze medals followed at Egypt 2006 and Egypt 2019,”
Azuta-Mbata noted.
He also highlighted several historic milestones tied to the region:
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Nigeria’s first-ever World Cup qualification was sealed in Algeria.
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The first AFCON title won outside Nigeria came in Tunisia.
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Only Libya 1982 stopped Nigeria from defending their title, after winning as hosts in 1980.
Azuta-Mbata recalled how three North African giants fell to Nigeria during the 1980 AFCON triumph in Lagos:
“Egypt lost in the group stage, Morocco fell in the semi-finals, and Algeria crumbled in the grand finale.”
He further referenced Nigeria’s first-ever AFCON medal a bronze at Ethiopia 1976, where the Eagles defeated Egypt 3–2, with Haruna Ilerika scoring twice.
The Ohanaeze leader ended with a message to Nigerians:
“We must use sports to heal and unite the nation. Politics divides us, but football brings us together. If we embrace the spirit of fair play, Nigeria will flourish.”
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