Nigeria vs AFCON host countries history
Nigeria’s Super Eagles have a storied and challenging history when facing host nations at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Historically, these matches are some of the most intense fixtures for the three-time African champions, often played in front of hostile crowds and high-pressure environments.
Ahead of the 2025 AFCON semi-final against hosts Morocco, here are 10 notable times Nigeria has faced the tournament hosts and the results.
Nigeria vs. AFCON Host Nations: Historical Results
| Year | Host Nation | Match Stage | Result | Final Score |
| 1982 | Libya | Group Stage | Loss | Libya 2–1 Nigeria |
| 1986 | Egypt | Semi-Final | Loss | Egypt 1–0 Nigeria |
| 1990 | Algeria | Group Stage | Loss | Algeria 5–1 Nigeria |
| 1990 | Algeria | Final | Loss | Algeria 1–0 Nigeria |
| 1992 | Senegal | Group Stage | Win | Nigeria 2–1 Senegal |
| 2002 | Mali | Group Stage | Draw | Mali 0–0 Nigeria |
| 2002 | Mali | 3rd Place Match | Win | Nigeria 1–0 Mali |
| 2004 | Tunisia | Semi-Final | Loss (Pens) | Tunisia 1–1 Nigeria (5-3) |
| 2008 | Ghana | Quarter-Final | Loss | Ghana 2–1 Nigeria |
| 2023 | Ivory Coast | Group Stage | Win | Nigeria 1–0 Ivory Coast |
| 2023 | Ivory Coast | Final | Loss | Ivory Coast 2–1 Nigeria |
Key Takeaways from the History
- The 1990 Algerian Nightmare: Nigeria faced the hosts twice in this tournament. After a humiliating 5–1 defeat in the opening game, the Super Eagles fought their way to the final, only to lose again 1–0 to the Desert Foxes in Algiers.1
- Knockout Heartbreak: Nigeria has historically struggled to beat hosts in the business end of the tournament. The 2004 semi-final loss to Tunisia on penalties and the 2008 quarter-final loss to Ghana remain particularly painful for fans.
- The Ivory Coast Revenge: In the 2023 edition (played in 2024), Nigeria achieved a rare feat by defeating the hosts 1–0 in the group stage via a William Troost-Ekong penalty. however, the Ivorians got their revenge when it mattered most, coming from behind to beat Nigeria 2–1 in the final.
- Overall Record: Prior to the 2025 semi-final against Morocco, Nigeria’s record against hosts in AFCON stands at 3 wins, 3 draws, and 5 defeats (including the recent 2023 final).
Please follow and like us:
