By Sedara Philip
It is exactly 29-years today since Nigeria defeated Zambia to win the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations – AFCON title.
GROUP STAGE
Grouped alongside Egypt and Gabon in Group B, Nigeria`s golden generation made a bright start to the tournament with a 3-0 win over Gabon . Late Rashidi Yekini scored a brace while Mutiu Adepoju scored the other goal for the Eagles.
The second game was a goalless draw against Egypt and it was enough to book a place in the knockout stages for both teams.
QUATER-FINALS
Zaire finished top of Group A and so were paired vs Group B runners-up Nigeria in the quater-final. They were no pushovers but thanks to a Rashidi Yekini brace, Nigeria zoomed into the semi-finals.
SEMI-FINALS
A game vs arch-rivals Ivory Coast was set in the semi-final at the El-Menzah in Tunis on 6th April 1994.
Ben Iroha and Late Rashidi Yekini scored Nigeria`s goals in a 2-2 regulation time draw. Nigeria emerged victorious 4-2 on penalties to book a place in the final.
FINAL
On April 10, 1994, the Clement Westerhof tutored Eagles arrived at the Stade El Menzah in Tunisia eyeing a second AFCON title.
In opposition was a Zambian team put together following a devastating tragedy.
Nigeria won 2-1, Emmanuel Amuneke scored both goals to Litana`s 3rd minute strike for Zambia.
Today (April 10, 2023) marks 29-years since that famous AFCON title win for Nigeria. See below the Nigerian squad to the 1994 AFCON in Tunisia.
Goalkeepers: Peter Rufai, Wilfred Agbonavbare, Alloy Agu
Defenders: Stephen Keshi, Austin Eguavoen, Uche Okafor, Uche Okechukwu, Isaac Semitoje, Ben Iroha, Nduka Ugbade
Midfielders: Sunday Oliseh, Mutiu Adepoju, Edema Fuludu, Thompson Oliha, Austin Okocha, Efan Ekoku
Forwards: Rashidi Yekini, Samson Siasia, Daniel Amokachi, Emmanuel Amuneke, Victor Ikpeba, Finidi George
Credit: Sportration
