AFCON 2025: Nigeria’s Super Eagles’ Triumphs and Heartbreaks in Africa Cup of Nations Semi-Finals
After a dominant 2–0 victory over Algeria in the quarter-finals on Saturday, Nigeria’s Super Eagles will feature in their 17th Africa Cup of Nations semi-final on Wednesday against hosts Morocco in Rabat. PulseNets learnt that Victor Osimhen opened the scoring early in the second half with a powerful header in the 46th minute, before Akor Adams doubled the lead in the 56th minute with a composed finish after a teammate setup.
Of their 16 previous semi-final appearances, Nigeria have won nine and lost seven. From those nine victories, the Super Eagles converted three into AFCON titles, showcasing a mixture of triumphs and heartaches at the continent’s elite tournament.
PulseNets obtained key details on each of these pivotal matches to paint a complete picture of Nigeria’s journey through AFCON semi-finals over the decades.
AFCON 1976 — Ethiopia
Nigeria finished third overall in a final group format that year. With no designated knockout stage, goals from Haruna Ilerika (brace) and Mudashiru Lawal helped Nigeria finish third behind Morocco and Guinea after a 3–2 win over Egypt.
AFCON 1978 — Ghana
Nigeria’s campaign ended at the semi-final stage with a 2–1 defeat to Uganda. No specific goal scorers are widely documented for this match.
AFCON 1980 — Nigeria
Nigeria beat Morocco 1–0 in the semi-final through a ninth-minute goal by Felix Owolabi. They went on to win the final 3–0 against Algeria, capturing the Nations Cup.
AFCON 1984 — Côte d’Ivoire
After a 2–2 draw with Egypt in extra time, Nigeria exited on penalties in the semi-final. Goal details reflect strong performances from both sides before the shootout.
AFCON 1988 — Morocco
A tense semi-final with Algeria ended 1–1 in regulation, and Nigeria prevailed 9–8 on penalties to reach the final. Specific scorers in regular time are not fully chronicled in widely available records.
AFCON 1990 — Algeria
In the semi-final hosted by Algeria, Nigeria won 2–0 thanks to goals from Uche Okechukwu and legendary striker Rashidi Yekini — contributing to his tournament tally and leading Nigeria into the final.
AFCON 1992 — Senegal
Nigeria were edged 2–1 by Ghana in the semi-finals. Ghanaian scorer details are well documented; Nigeria’s goal contributions frame a competitive game.
AFCON 1994 — Tunisia
Nigeria advanced on penalties in the semi-final versus Ivory Coast. They then clinched the title by beating Zambia 2–1 in the final, with Yekini among the key performers in the tournament.
AFCON 2000 — Nigeria & Ghana
Nigeria beat South Africa’s Bafana Bafana 2–0 in the semi-finals but ultimately lost to Cameroon in the final. Goal scorers in this match included standout performers from the domestic-based squad.
AFCON 2002 — Mali
The Super Eagles’ semi-final run ended with a 2–1 loss to Senegal after extra time.
AFCON 2004 — Tunisia
Nigeria drew 1–1 with Tunisia but were eliminated via a 5–3 penalty shootout after regulation time failed to separate the sides.
AFCON 2006 — Egypt
Nigeria lost 1–0 in the semi-finals to Ivory Coast, with Didier Drogba scoring the decisive goal.
AFCON 2010 — Angola
Nigeria were beaten 1–0 by Ghana, with Asamoah Gyan netting the lone goal in Bouaké.
AFCON 2013 — South Africa
Nigeria thrashed Mali 4–1 in the semi-final at the 2013 finals. Key scorers included Ahmed Musa and Emmanuel Emenike, before Sunday Mbah scored the winning goal in the final against Burkina Faso.
AFCON 2019 — Egypt
In a tightly contested semi-final, Algeria beat Nigeria 2–1. Algeria’s Riyad Mahrez scored late, with Nigeria’s Odion Ighalo netting from the penalty spot earlier in the game.
Also Read: Osimhen–Lookman Rift Resolved as Super Eagles Reunite Ahead of AFCON Quarterfinal
AFCON 2023 — Côte d’Ivoire
Nigeria drew 1–1 with South Africa, with William Troost-Ekong converting a crucial penalty before the Super Eagles triumphed 4–2 in the shootout to reach the final.
AFCON 2025 — Morocco
In Saturday’s quarter-final, Osimhen and Adams delivered the key goals as Nigeria booked a last-four clash with host nation Morocco. The semi-final promises to test the Super Eagles against a North African side led by prolific scorer Brahim Díaz.
