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AFCON Showdown: Nigeria’s Record Against Host Nations in 10 Past Encounters
Nigeria faces Morocco in the AFCON 2026 semi-final, with a mixed record against host nations: 3 wins, 3 draws, 4 losses in 10 past encounters. See Nigeria’s full history vs hosts, including wins, draws, and knockout defeats.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria will face AFCON host Morocco on Wednesday, battling for a spot in the tournament final. Facing the host nation at this stage is historically challenging for Nigeria, as their record against host teams has been mixed over the years.
Across group and knockout stages, Nigeria has played host nations ten times, winning three matches, drawing three, and losing four. Here’s a look at their past encounters:
1978 – Draw vs Ghana
Nigeria’s first match against a host ended in a draw with Ghana, highlighting early competitive encounters against host nations.
1990 – Group-Stage Loss to Algeria
In the 1990 AFCON group stage, Nigeria suffered a 1-0 defeat to host Algeria, marking their first loss to a host in the tournament.
1990 – Final Loss to Algeria
The same year, Nigeria reached the final against Algeria at Stade 5 Juillet 1962 in Algiers but lost 1-0 to Chérif Oudjani’s goal, as Algeria won their first AFCON title.
1992 – Group-Stage Win Over Senegal
Nigeria claimed a 2-1 victory over hosts Senegal during the 1992 group stage, showing they could challenge host nations early in the tournament.
2002 – Group Draw Against Mali
Nigeria drew 0-0 with Mali in the group stage of the 2002 AFCON, setting up a rematch later in the tournament.
2002 – Third-Place Win Over Mali
In the third-place playoff, Nigeria defeated Mali 1-0 with Yakubu Aiyegbeni scoring the lone goal—Nigeria’s only knockout win over a host nation in AFCON history.
2004 – Semi-Final Draw Against Tunisia
Nigeria faced host Tunisia in the 2004 semi-finals. The match ended 1-1, but Nigeria lost on penalties, underscoring the difficulty of overcoming host teams in crucial matches.
2008 – Quarter-Final Loss to Ghana
Nigeria’s quarter-final clash with host Ghana in 2008 ended in defeat, ending their streak of reaching four consecutive AFCON semi-finals from 2000 to 2006.
2023 – Group-Stage Win Against Côte d’Ivoire
In the 2023 AFCON, Nigeria beat host Côte d’Ivoire 1-0 in the group stage, with Williams Troost-Ekong converting a penalty to secure the win.
2023 – Final Loss to Côte d’Ivoire
Later in the same tournament, Nigeria met Côte d’Ivoire in the final but lost 2-1. Troost-Ekong had initially put Nigeria ahead with a header, but goals from Frank Kessie and Sebastian Haller sealed the hosts’ victory.
With this history, Nigeria faces an uphill battle against Morocco as they aim to reach the AFCON final.
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