Overview
Nigeria is a member of the Confederation of African Football and plays in the West African Zone B (WAFU-B) zone. The men's national team, known as the Super Eagles, has played 665 recorded internationals since 1949, winning 312 of them (46.9%).
Nigeria have won the Africa Cup of Nations 3 times (1980, 1994 and 2013) and also reached the final in 1984, 1988, 1990, 2000 and 2023.
They have played at the FIFA World Cup 6 times (1994, 1998, 2002, 2010, 2014 and 2018).
On current form our Elo rating places Nigeria 6th in Africa and 38th in the world.
With about 237.5 million people and its capital in Abuja, Nigeria has produced 1,934 notable footballers footballers in our database.
Famous Nigerian footballers
Mikel John ObiNigeria · b. 1987
Victor OsimhenNigeria · Galatasaray S.K.
Ahmed MusaNigeria · Kano Pillars F.C.
Victor MosesNigeria · FC Kaisar
YakubuNigeria · b. 1982
Obafemi MartinsNigeria · b. 1984
Nwankwo KanuNigeria · b. 1976
Alex IwobiNigeria · Fulham F.C.
Ademola LookmanNigeria · Atlético Madrid
Peter OdemwingieNigeria · b. 1981
Jay-Jay OkochaNigeria · b. 1973
Joseph YoboNigeria · b. 1980
Most capped
Top scorers (match database)
- Rashidi Yekini
- Victor Osimhen
- Obafemi Martins
- Jay-Jay Okocha
- Yakubu
- Segun Odegbami
- Daniel Amokachi
- Julius Aghahowa
Where Nigerian players play
159 active Nigerian players are currently at clubs outside Nigeria. The most common destinations:
Clubs and leagues in Nigeria
Main competitions: Nigeria Premier Football League, Nigeria National League, Nigeria Women Premier League.
- Enyimba International F.C.founded 1976
- Enugu Rangersfounded 1970
- Heartland F.C.founded 1976
- Shooting Stars SCfounded 1950
- Kwara United F.C.founded 1997
- Sunshine Stars F.C.founded 1995
- Bridge F.C.founded 1975
- Sharks F.C.founded 1972
- Dolphins F.C.founded 1988
- Lobi Stars F.C.founded 1981
Where Nigerian footballers are born
35 Nigeria internationals were born abroad, most often in United Kingdom (16), United States (6), Italy (2). See the diaspora →
Stadiums
Strength over time
Year-end Elo rating of Nigeria. Elo history →
Frequently asked questions
What is the nickname of the Nigeria national team?
Nigeria are nicknamed the Super Eagles.
How many times have Nigeria won AFCON?
Nigeria have won the Africa Cup of Nations 3 times (1980, 1994 and 2013).
Have Nigeria played at the World Cup?
Yes, Nigeria have played at 6 World Cups (1994, 1998, 2002, 2010, 2014 and 2018).
Who is the top scorer for Nigeria?
In our match database, Rashidi Yekini leads with 21 goals. Goal data is most complete for tournament matches.
Who is the most famous Nigerian footballer?
By international recognition, Mikel John Obi is the best-known Nigerian footballer in our database, followed by Victor Osimhen and Ahmed Musa.
What is the biggest stadium in Nigeria?
Abuja Stadium is the largest football stadium in Nigeria in our records, with a capacity of 60,491.