65 Iconic Moments in Nigerian Sports Since Independence

ATTENTION: Follow 9jaReporters on Instagram for a chance to win ₦100,000 in our Top Fans Challenge!

JOIN NOW to participate and stand a chance to win exclusive prize ons, free airtime, and exciting gifts!

FOLLOW US TODAY! DON’T MISS OUT!

When Nigeria gained independence in 1960, sports were already woven into the nation’s social fabric—from school fields to community arenas—serving as a platform for pride, identity, and unity.

In the early years, football in Lagos, athletics in Benin, boxing in Ibadan, and basketball in Zaria gave young Nigerians the stage to compete and dream of global recognition. Over the decades, these efforts blossomed into achievements that showcased Nigeria on the world stage: Olympic medals, continental football triumphs, record-breaking feats in athletics, and the rise of international sporting icons.

The journey has not been without challenges. Near misses, defeats, and disqualifications tested athletes and fans alike, yet they also nurtured resilience and deepened the bond between Nigerians and sport.

Now, 65 years on, the nation’s sporting history is marked by defining moments that go beyond scorelines, reflecting determination, progress, and national identity.

Sporting Tribune presents 65 memorable highlights in Nigerian sports since 1960:

• 1960 – Nigeria made its Olympic debut at the Rome Games.
• 1962 – Dick Tiger won the world middleweight boxing crown.
• 1963 – Nigeria’s men’s relay team reached the final at the All-Africa Games in Brazzaville.
• 1964 – Nojeem Maiyegun became Nigeria’s first Olympic medalist with a boxing bronze at the Tokyo Games.
• 1966 – Dick Tiger added the world light heavyweight title to his achievements.
• 1972 – Modupe Oshikoya won Commonwealth Games gold in high jump.
• 1973 – Nigeria hosted the All-Africa Games in Lagos, the country’s first major continental sports event.
• 1974 – Nigeria’s national boxing team excelled at the Commonwealth Games in Christchurch.
• 1976 – Despite an Olympic boycott, Nigeria’s football and athletics base grew stronger.
• 1978 – The Green Eagles qualified for their first World Cup, though Nigeria later withdrew.
• 1980 – The Green Eagles won Nigeria’s first Africa Cup of Nations, defeating Algeria 3–0 in Lagos.
• 1984 – The Super Eagles reached their first AFCON final, losing to Cameroon.
• 1985 – The Golden Eaglets won the inaugural FIFA U-17 World Cup in China.
• 1988 – Nigeria again reached the AFCON final but lost to Cameroon.
• 1989 – The “Damman Miracle”: Nigeria came from 4–0 down to draw 4–4 with the Soviet Union at the U-20 World Cup.
• 1990 – Nigeria lost a third AFCON final, this time to Algeria.
• 1991 – The Super Falcons won the first African Women’s Championship and represented Africa at the inaugural FIFA Women’s World Cup.
• 1992 – Nigeria won AFCON bronze in Senegal.
• 1993 – Nigeria’s U-17s clinched another World Cup in Japan, led by Wilson Oruma and Celestine Babayaro.
• 1994 – The Super Eagles debuted at the World Cup in the USA, defeating Bulgaria 3–0 in their opener.
• 1994 – Nigeria won its second AFCON, edging Zambia 2–1 in Tunisia.
• 1995 – Nwankwo Kanu lifted the UEFA Champions League trophy with Ajax.
• 1996 – Nigeria’s Dream Team claimed Olympic football gold in Atlanta, beating Brazil and Argentina.
• 1996 – Chioma Ajunwa won Nigeria’s first Olympic athletics gold in long jump.
• 1996 – Falilat Ogunkoya secured bronze in the women’s 400m at the Atlanta Olympics.
• 1998 – Sunday Oliseh’s thunderbolt goal sealed a 3–2 win over Spain at the France World Cup.
• 1999 – Nigeria hosted the FIFA U-20 World Cup.
• 1999 – The Super Falcons reached the Women’s World Cup quarterfinals in the USA.
• 2000 – Nigeria co-hosted AFCON with Ghana, losing the final to Cameroon on penalties.
• 2000 – Nigeria’s men’s 4x400m relay team earned Olympic gold in Sydney after U.S. disqualification.
• 2002 – The Super Eagles qualified for their second straight World Cup in Korea/Japan.
• 2003 – Enyimba became the first Nigerian club to win the CAF Champions League.
• 2004 – Enyimba defended their CAF crown, cementing dominance.
• 2005 – John Mikel Obi shone at the FIFA U-20 World Cup, finishing second to Lionel Messi.
• 2007 – Nigeria’s U-17s won another World Cup, in South Korea.
• 2008 – Samuel Peter won the WBC heavyweight boxing title.
• 2008 – Nigeria’s Olympic football team claimed silver in Beijing.
• 2010 – Nigeria hosted the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
• 2011 – The Falconets reached the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup final in Germany.
• 2013 – The Super Eagles won their third AFCON under Stephen Keshi.
• 2013 – Nigeria’s U-17s captured their fourth World Cup in the UAE, with Kelechi Iheanacho starring.
• 2014 – Blessing Okagbare won sprint double gold at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
• 2014 – The Super Falcons lifted their seventh African title.
• 2015 – Nigeria’s U-17s secured a record fifth World Cup, Victor Osimhen scoring 10 goals.
• 2015 – D’Tigers won their first AfroBasket, defeating Angola.
• 2016 – Aruna Quadri reached the Olympic quarterfinals in table tennis, a first for Africa.
• 2016 – Nigeria’s Paralympians dominated powerlifting in Rio.
• 2017 – Anthony Joshua unified the world heavyweight boxing titles.
• 2017 – D’Tigress began their AfroBasket dominance with a title win.
• 2018 – The Super Falcons claimed their ninth WAFCON crown.
• 2019 – D’Tigress defended their AfroBasket title.
• 2019 – Odunayo Adekuoroye won medals in world wrestling.
• 2022 – Tobi Amusan broke the 100m hurdles world record (12.12s) and claimed World Championship gold.
• 2022 – Ese Brume medalled at both indoor and outdoor World Championships in long jump.
• 2023 – Victor Osimhen won the Serie A Golden Boot with 26 goals for Napoli.
• 2023 – Osimhen and Asisat Oshoala were crowned CAF African Footballers of the Year.
• 2023 – The Flying Eagles reached the U-20 World Cup quarterfinals.
• 2023 – D’Tigress won their fourth straight AfroBasket.
• 2024 – Tobi Amusan carried Nigeria’s flag at the Paris Olympics.
• 2024 – Ese Brume claimed Nigeria’s only Paris Olympic medal with silver in long jump.
• 2024 – The Super Falcons reached the Women’s World Cup round of 16 in Australia/New Zealand.
• 2024 – Quadri Aruna won Nigeria’s first ITTF World Cup bronze in table tennis.
• 2024 – Ademola Lookman was named CAF African Footballer of the Year.
• 2025 – Kanyinsola Ajayi clocked 9.93s to reach the 100m final at the World Championships.
• 2025 – Victor Osimhen became Nigeria’s all-time top scorer in the UEFA Champions League, surpassing Obafemi Martins.