Must read: 5 heartbreaking moments in football that Nigerians can never forget

Must read: 5 heartbreaking moments in football that Nigerians can never forget

Nigeria vs Italy (US 94' World Cup)

The Super Eagles under Clemens Westerhof were in impeccable form and were leading by 1-0 with two minutes left to play against Arrigo Sacchi's side to qualify for the quarter finals of the World Cup.
Then, Roberto Baggio scored in the 89th minute when the Nigerian side went to sleep as the match went into extra time.

Must read: 5 heartbreaking moments in football that Nigerians can never forget

2. Nigeria vs Cameroon (2000 Nations Cup final)

Many thought Nigeria were hosting to win the tournament as they made it through into the finals to face Cameroon at the National Stadium in Lagos.
The visitors went ahead with two goals early in the match as Chukwu Ndukwe and Austin Okocha made it 2-2 and the match into penalties.

Must read: 5 heartbreaking moments in football that Nigerians can never forget

A Victor Ikpeba's penalty was ruled out as the Super Eagles lost another painful Nations Cup final to Cameroon for the umpteenth time.

3. Nigeria vs Argentina (U-20 World Cup final in 2005)

Some of the key players in this squad graduated to become members of the Super Eagles including captain Mikel Obi.
Lionel Messi put Argentina ahead as Chinedu Obasi equalized with a diving header. Then the talking points of match came when the young Argentines were awarded a soft penalty.
Messi again stepped up to put the beyond Ambrose Vanzekin as Samsom Siasia and his boys were condemned to a painful defeat

Must read: 5 heartbreaking moments in football that Nigerians can never forget

4. Samuel Okwaraji's death (Nigeria vs Angola)

Nigeria lost a talented midfielder during a Nations Cup qualifying match against Angola at the National Stadium Lagos.
Okwaraji suddenly collapsed on the pitch and was given medical attention before giving up the ghost which left Nigerians sad.
The match continued as Stephen Keshi scored the only goal of the match but it was a bitter-sweet experience for Nigerians.

Must read: 5 heartbreaking moments in football that Nigerians can never forget

5. Nigeria missing out of the 2006 World Cup in Germany

The Super Eagles have qualified for three consecutive World Cup tournaments since making their debut in the 1994 edition.
Unfortunately, during the period of the qualifiers, FIFA introduced the head to head rule which cost the country dearly on the last day.

Must read: 5 heartbreaking moments in football that Nigerians can never forget

Angola had a superior head to head but Nigeria needed them to drop points against Rwanda in their final game, while the Super Eagles needed an outright win, but the tables turned as the Angola qualified at the expense of the former African champions.

Comments

Keep up to date with our latest articles and uploads...