In the heart of Lagos forty-five years ago, under the roaring cheers of 85,000 passionate fans at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, history was written. March 22, 1980 wasn’t just another day in Nigerian football—it was the day the Super Eagles soared to greatness, lifting their first-ever African Cup of Nations (AFCON) title.
Nigeria had come close before, but this time, something felt different. There was a sense of destiny in the air. The squad, led by Coach Otto Glória a Brazillian, was a perfect blend of experience, youth, and raw passion. Christian Chukwu, the ever-reliable captain, marshaled a team of warriors that included the dazzling Segun “Mathematical” Odegbami, the unstoppable Felix Owolabi, and the lethal finisher Ifeyanyi Onyedika.
The tournament began with Nigeria in Group A, alongside Tanzania, Egypt, and Ivory Coast. Every match was a test of their resolve.
Nigeria 3-1 Tanzania (March 8, 1980)
Goals: Segun Odegbami, Ifeanyi Onyedika
A strong opening performance set the tone for the tournament. Odegbami showed his class, and the Eagles sent a message to Africa.
Nigeria 1-0 Ivory Coast (March 11, 1980)
Goal: Felix Owolabi
It was a tough battle, but Owolabi’s strike ensured Nigeria took another step toward the dream.
Nigeria 0-0 Egypt (March 15, 1980)
A cagey encounter, but a vital point secured Nigeria’s place in the semifinals.
Semi-Final: The Ultimate Test
Nigeria 1-0 Morocco (March 19, 1980)
Goal: Mudashiru Lawal
A nerve-wracking match that saw Nigeria break down a resilient Moroccan defence. Lawal’s goal sent the nation into its first-ever AFCON final.
The Grand Finale: A Nation Unites
Final: Nigeria 3-0 Algeria (March 22, 1980)
Goals: Segun Odegbami, Mudashiru Lawal
This was the night Nigeria had been waiting for. The stadium was electric, filled with fans waving green and white, chanting, praying, and believing. From the first whistle, Nigeria attacked with purpose. Odegbami, in the form of his life, danced past Algerian defenders, scoring twice. Lawal added the third, sealing a famous 3-0 victory.
As the final whistle blew, tears of joy flowed. Christian Chukwu lifted the trophy high, and a nation erupted in celebration. President Shagari himself was in the stadium, witnessing history. It wasn’t just football; it was a moment of national pride, unity, and triumph.
The squad that brought Nigeria its first AFCON glory:
Goalkeeper: Best Ogedegbe (Shooting Stars, Ibadan),
Defenders: Christian Chukwu (C) (Enugu Rangers), David Adiele (Enugu Rangers), Tunde Bamidele (Enugu Rangers), Okey Isima (Enugu Rangers).
Midfielders: Mudashiru Lawal (Shooting Stars), Sylvanus Okpala (Enugu Rangers), Henry Nwosu (New Nigeria Bank)
Forwards: Segun Odegbami (Shooting Stars), Felix Owolabi (Shooting Stars), Ifeanyi Onyedika (Enugu Rangers)
That victory was more than just a trophy—it ignited a footballing revolution in Nigeria. It inspired future generations, from Rashidi Yekini to Jay-Jay Okocha, to dream big. It proved that Nigeria belonged at the top of African football.
Though the Nigeria National Team has evolved from the Green Eagles to the Super Eagles, it has won two additional Africa Cup of Nations titles in Tunisia (1994) and South Africa (2013).
To this day, March 22, 1980, remains a golden chapter in Nigerian sports history—a reminder that when talent, passion, and belief come together, greatness is inevitable.
