Independence Day: 7 Iconic Moments In Nigerias Sports History

Sports in Nigeria have produced numerous memorable moments that will continue to live with the Nigerian populace across the globe.

However, as Nigeria commemorates its 64th Independence Day Anniversary, we take a look at the 7 most remarkable moments in the most populous African nation sporting events .

The 1996 Atlanta Olympics will forever be etched on the minds of football and sports aficionados in Nigeria and will remain a significant milestone in Nigerian football history. The U-23 team Olympic Eagles led by coach Jo Bonfrere, defeated Argentina 3-2 in the final, securing Nigerias first-ever Olympic gold medal.

In the same Olympics year, Chioma Ajunwa became the first Nigerian athlete to win an Olympic gold medal, leaping 7.12 meters in the long jump event. Since then, the feat has inspired other Nigerian athletes to yearn for more at the biggest competitions in the world of sports.

The Super Eagles, led by the late coach Stephen Keshi won the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations AFCON after 19 years at the FNB Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa. Nigeria edged Burkina Faso by a lone goal recorded by home-based player Sunday Mba, resulting in the countrys third AFCON title. The Nigeria senior national team had earlier conquered the continent in 1980 and 1994 respectively.