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Top 5 Painful Defeats In Nigeria Football History - Which was more painful? by Ubermind: 3:24pm On Aug 06, 2022 |
Number Five – Nigeria Round of 16 Loss to Italy – USA ‘94 FIFA World Cup Nigeria was 2 minutes away from reaching the quarter-finals of the world cup for the first time in our very first appearance. The 1994 team was arguably one of the best Nigerian squads at the FIFA World Cup with players like Jay-Jay Okocha, Sunday Oliseh, Rashidi Yekini, Finidi George, Daniel Amokachi, Emmanuel Amunike and many more. The super eagles were on fire in 1994, we had just won the nations cup three months earlier in April of that year. We were also ranked 5th in the world, seven spots above Italy ranked 13th at the time. At USA 94 World Cup, we were drawn in a tough group with Argentina, Greece and Bulgaria. However, the Super Eagles surpassed all expectations to top the group with 6 points, defeating Bulgaria and Greece although we lost to Argentina. Italy, on the other hand, struggled to reach the Round of 16. They finished third in their group with one win, one loss and one draw. They only qualified to the round of 16 as best third place finishers. In the round of 16 game, Nigeria showed dominance at the start of the game. Emmanuel Amuneke had scored in the 25th minutes of the game to give Nigeria the lead against Italy. To make matters worse for the Italians, Zola was shown a straight red card for retaliating against Eguavoen and they played with ten men for the rest of the game. Nigeria was 1 nil up in the 88th minute, and it felt like we will be reaching the quarter finals. However, this wasn’t the case. Italy got the equalizer with only 2 minutes left courtesy of Roberto Baggio. Then in extra time, Italy was awarded a penalty in the hundred and second minutes, and Roberto Baggio scored to give Italy the lead and send them to the quarter finals. We were so close, yet we could not reach the finish line. It was really painful for both the players and the fans. Many fans believe Nigeria would have gone all the way to the finals if we managed to defeat Italy. We would have met Spain in the quarter finals, then Bulgaria for the second time in the semis. Italy however went all the way to the finals before losing to the champions, Brazil 3-2 on penalties. Though I would say the loss was painful, but on the grand scheme of things, reaching the round of 16 in our very first appearance is also commendable. Number Four – Nigeria 4-1 Loss to Denmark at the France 98 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 Four years after the 1994 heart break, many fans thought Nigeria was going to make up for it in 1998 and we started on a very good note defeating Spain (3-2) and Bulgaria (1-0) in the group stage to secure qualification to the next round before losing the final group game 3-1 to Paraguay although we still won the group.Then came the round of 16 against Denmark. Many people thought we were going to win this easily with some even looking forward to the quarter final game against Brazil. However, the fans were disappointed after the super eagles lost to Denmark 4 goals to one in the round of 16. The loss was painful, conceding 4 goals against Denmark was a huge shock to many fans. Even one of my subscribers dropped this comment recently “The way we lost to Denmark after beating Spain at France 1998. I have never recovered from that thrashing ever since.” Many years later, Taribo West revealed that some players snuck women into camp before the game against Denmark. So basically, it means some players played two matches in the same day. Number Three – The Jollof Derby Nigeria Loss to Ghana – 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2022 Qatar FIFA World Cup after a 1-1 draw with Ghana at home. Thomas Partey had put Ghana in front early in the first half before Troost Ekong converted a penalty to keep the game levelled. However, the Super Eagles couldn’t find the crucial second goal, breaking the heart of millions of Nigerian football fans. The first leg game in Ghana had ended in a goalless draw leaving the Ghanaians to qualify on the away goal rules. Defeat was a massive blow for many Nigerians. We lost the Jollof Derby. In fact after Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the world cup, fans stormed the pitch and began destroying properties. Even though the defeat was really painful, the fans went too far on that day. Number Two – Nigeria Loss to Tunisia – 1978 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Till date, many football-loving Nigerians are yet to forget what happened on the 12th of November 1977 during the World Cup qualifier between the then Green Eagles of Nigeria and Tunisia at the National Stadium in Lagos. Even though I was not born then, I have heard the stories. The first leg had ended in a goalless draw in Tunis and all the Eagles needed was any margin of victory. However the game was settled in Tunisia’s favour who won 1 goal to nil courtesy of an own goal from Godwin Odiye in the 61st minute. It was a misjudged header and it ended Nigeria’s race to Argentina 1978 FIFA World Cup. The match was watched by over 80,000 Nigerians. The team was devasted and the fans could not believe it. This would have been our first world cup qualification if things had turned out differently. The sad part is that we lost at home in Lagos to Tunisia via an own goal. For many years after this, anyone who scored an own goal was called an Odiye. Before I get to number one, here are some honorable mentions. Nigeria’s Loss to Angola, 2006 world cup qualifiers, Nigeria Loss to Greece at the 2010 FIFA world cup. Nigeria Vs South Korea 2010 world cup, Nigeria failure to qualify for the 2012 and 2015 African Cup of Nations after failing to defeat Guinea and South Africa Respectively, These defeats were really painful. And no, the myth of Nigeria vs India – 99 - 1 isn’t on this list. Number One - Nigeria Loss to Cameroon – 2000 AFCON FINALS This loss was really painful. Cameroon had beaten Nigeria in the African Nations Cup finals of 1984 and 1988 and Nigeria was determined to lift the trophy this time around on home soil. However, Cameroon started strong, scoring two goals in about 30 minutes in the first half. Chukwu Ndukwe then scored a much needed goal for Nigeria just before half-time. Then Jay-Jay Okocha marked his return to the team after a one-match suspension with a stunning long range shot to make it 2-2 within 90 seconds of Chukwu’s goal. Nigeria, unbeaten at home for 19 years and defending an 11-match unbeaten run in the tournament, took the game to Cameroon in extra-time. Then came penalty shootouts, Cameroon won 4-3 on penalties. However, the win was controversial after Victor Ikpeba's fourth penalty for Nigeria was not awarded by the referee despite appearing to cross the line after hitting the underside of the crossbar. And that was how Cameroon lifted the trophy in Lagos yet again defeating Nigeria in the finals of the AFCON. This loss was so painful, I remember watching this match live as a very young boy and I clearly remember the fans bitter, complaining about the loss. Though these defeats might bring back sad memories, however, we are to learn from them not feel bad about it. Failure to learn from our defeats is actually the sad thing. Source: Top 5 Painful Defeats in Nigeria Football History - When Super Eagles Disappointed Fans https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CcAuQEOKIfo 15 Likes 5 Shares
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Re: Top 5 Painful Defeats In Nigeria Football History - Which was more painful? by Ubermind: 3:29pm On Aug 06, 2022 |
Which of these defeats was more painful for you? By the way, Here are the top 3 Unbelievable Nigeria Football Comebacks https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qa1oAcetY4 3 Likes 1 Share |
Re: Top 5 Painful Defeats In Nigeria Football History - Which was more painful? by JoeRizzla(m): 3:37pm On Aug 06, 2022 |
Nothing dey pain pass say you get a vegetable as a president. 151 Likes 13 Shares |
Re: Top 5 Painful Defeats In Nigeria Football History - Which was more painful? by musterseeds: 3:45pm On Aug 06, 2022 |
I would say Nigeria vs Denmark, was really painful for me 43 Likes 3 Shares |
Re: Top 5 Painful Defeats In Nigeria Football History - Which was more painful? by Bankright(f): 4:06pm On Aug 06, 2022 |
Ok |
Re: Top 5 Painful Defeats In Nigeria Football History - Which was more painful? by Creamypie(m): 4:47pm On Aug 06, 2022 |
Ubermind: |
Re: Top 5 Painful Defeats In Nigeria Football History - Which was more painful? by FatherBona: 5:05pm On Aug 06, 2022 |
That Cameroon loss in 2000 final is one I wished I never watched. I still remember that ikpeba penalty like never before 51 Likes 1 Share |
Re: Top 5 Painful Defeats In Nigeria Football History - Which was more painful? by paulolee(m): 5:48pm On Aug 06, 2022 |
all were painful bt personally None pain me pass dt algeria 1-0 for afcon wey mahrez score last minute free kick. e pain me bcoz one guy jus use mind say mahrez go score n call 20k, I stand opposed n we both set our fones bcoz cash no de at hand.. mahrez score n i shock, e be asif na magic.. I ask am how e take dey dt sure, e say e jus talk am, as I.opposed n people attack am, e jus bet mk e no b asif e fall.e bea hands say e no get mind.. na so I go start to de find 20k cash d next morning because of dt mumu akpeyi... generally my painful match Is dt Chelsea vs city ucl final dt Chelsea won, i lost huge cash n still never forgive pep n city 4 dt heartbreak BT DTS life.. 51 Likes 2 Shares |
Re: Top 5 Painful Defeats In Nigeria Football History - Which was more painful? by Olanwafriday: 5:53pm On Aug 06, 2022 |
Cameroon for sure, though defeat to Denmark was also painful. ![]() 13 Likes 1 Share |
Re: Top 5 Painful Defeats In Nigeria Football History - Which was more painful? by kingphilip(m): 7:04pm On Aug 06, 2022 |
Nigeria vs Ghana wasn't really a defeat. We fell short of the rules. 16 Likes 1 Share |
Re: Top 5 Painful Defeats In Nigeria Football History - Which was more painful? by iiifedimma(f): 7:04pm On Aug 06, 2022 |
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Re: Top 5 Painful Defeats In Nigeria Football History - Which was more painful? by chiefolododo(m): 7:04pm On Aug 06, 2022 |
For me , it was Nigeria 2:2Tunisia in 2009, 2010 FIFA WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS , IT WAS LIKE A SOUR DEFEAT. 4 Likes 1 Share |
Re: Top 5 Painful Defeats In Nigeria Football History - Which was more painful? by Offpoint1: 7:04pm On Aug 06, 2022 |
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Re: Top 5 Painful Defeats In Nigeria Football History - Which was more painful? by MANNABBQGRILLS: 7:04pm On Aug 06, 2022 |
Number Three – The Jollof Derby Nigeria Loss to Ghana – 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.The freshest and the most painful for all of us @. Super Chickens. Dem just dey vex us since ![]() 4 Likes 4 Shares
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Re: Top 5 Painful Defeats In Nigeria Football History - Which was more painful? by MANNABBQGRILLS: 7:04pm On Aug 06, 2022 |
And one of the most beautiful and best moment in Nigeria football, apart from winning the Olympics Gold medal in 1996, was the Miracle of Daman. We just finished watching that great match dubbed : The Miracle of Daman! Indomie kids won't understand.......lailai! ![]() 10 Likes 4 Shares |
Re: Top 5 Painful Defeats In Nigeria Football History - Which was more painful? by MuslimIgbo: 7:04pm On Aug 06, 2022 |
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Re: Top 5 Painful Defeats In Nigeria Football History - Which was more painful? by BigDawsNet: 7:04pm On Aug 06, 2022 |
We dont believe in home base players |
Re: Top 5 Painful Defeats In Nigeria Football History - Which was more painful? by Sturdy12: 7:05pm On Aug 06, 2022 |
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Re: Top 5 Painful Defeats In Nigeria Football History - Which was more painful? by IDRWFB(m): 7:05pm On Aug 06, 2022 |
Nigeria losing to Argentina in the 2018 WC was the most painful football experience I ever had. I was downcast for weeks, and to even think that all we needed was a draw, hits harder. 22 Likes 1 Share |
Re: Top 5 Painful Defeats In Nigeria Football History - Which was more painful? by lacastre: 7:05pm On Aug 06, 2022 |
Op e no pass this You are � on point |
Re: Top 5 Painful Defeats In Nigeria Football History - Which was more painful? by VladimirPutiin(m): 7:05pm On Aug 06, 2022 |
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Re: Top 5 Painful Defeats In Nigeria Football History - Which was more painful? by Honestfrend: 7:05pm On Aug 06, 2022 |
Cameroon VS Nigeria nations cup final year 2000.. Knowing fully well say if to say VAR dey that time that penalty na goal.. ![]() 15 Likes |
Re: Top 5 Painful Defeats In Nigeria Football History - Which was more painful? by MrWondah(m): 7:06pm On Aug 06, 2022 |
The jallof derby 2022. I couldn't work for three straight days. 3 Likes |
Re: Top 5 Painful Defeats In Nigeria Football History - Which was more painful? by Nobody: 7:06pm On Aug 06, 2022 |
How will I know which was more painful when I wasn't born when most of these matches where played ![]() Even the 2022 Qualifiers did not pain me.... |
Re: Top 5 Painful Defeats In Nigeria Football History - Which was more painful? by Millimann: 7:06pm On Aug 06, 2022 |
Games against Italy, Cameron and Ghana in that order. 1 Like |
Re: Top 5 Painful Defeats In Nigeria Football History - Which was more painful? by bouncin04(m): 7:06pm On Aug 06, 2022 |
Nigeria vs Senegal 2002 Afcon semi finals ( Wilson Oruma missing a penalty ) Nigeria vs Sweden , Korea Japan 2002 world cup. Nigeria vs Angola 2nd leg 2006 world cup qualifiers. Nigeria vs South Korea world cup 2010 ( although we drew but we needed a win with Yakubu missing a clear cut chance ). Nigeria vs Tunisia 2004 Afcon semi final ( After eliminating almighty Cameroon at the quarter finals ). Nigeria vs Tunisia 2022 Afcon second round ( Toothless Tunisia eliminated our dazzling star studed team effortlessly ) 17 Likes 1 Share |
Re: Top 5 Painful Defeats In Nigeria Football History - Which was more painful? by oluwasegun007(m): 7:06pm On Aug 06, 2022 |
Those guys too dey give person pain.. What can be as painful as missing out from the world Cup... Losing to Ghana. 2 Likes |
Re: Top 5 Painful Defeats In Nigeria Football History - Which was more painful? by ntyce(m): 7:07pm On Aug 06, 2022 |
The 94 loss to Italy really hurts. We were this close. Italy finally getting to the final made it more painful. I was like, it could be Us. 27 Likes 1 Share |
Re: Top 5 Painful Defeats In Nigeria Football History - Which was more painful? by Obidient4life3: 7:07pm On Aug 06, 2022 |
For me 1994 loss to Italy And 2000 and 2002 loss to Cameroon. 8 Likes |
Re: Top 5 Painful Defeats In Nigeria Football History - Which was more painful? by Juanmike(m): 7:07pm On Aug 06, 2022 |
Nothing pain pass Buhari government. 10 Likes |
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