Nigeria’s football emergesThe 1994 World Cup established Nigeria’s emergence as a powerful force in football, but it was undoubtedly the 1996 Olympic gold medal match against Argentina that fully demonstrated the country’s football potential. The backstory of the 1996 Olympic Games triumphThe year 1996 was fraught with tragedy and turmoil. While Kanu was the undoubted star of the 1996 Olympic football team, we must mention Uche Okechukwu and Daniel Amokachi, on whom the success was founded and built. As we remember the glorious victory 27 years ago, the present tells us we will miss a second consecutive appearance at the Olympic Games. Nigerian footballers were absent at the Tokyo Games and will also be absent at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Source: Punch August 03, 2023 18:07 UTC