5 trophies Nigeria won under late President Buhari

Sports under the late president of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, was a tale of mixed fortunes. There were relative successes here and there, but a handful of disappointments. Perhaps the biggest remains the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and the DTigress, not participating in the 2022 FIBA Women’s World Cup in Australia despite qualifying for the tournament.

The disappointments still hurt, but football and basketball, precisely, achieved relative successes under the late president, between his first and second terms (2015-2023).

Nigeria participated in the 2016 Rio De Janeiro and 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games and won just three medals. Nigeria won just a medal at the Rio Games as the Samson Sia Sia-led football team won bronze. Blessing Oborududu won silver in the Women’s Freestyle Wrestling (68kg), while Ese Brume won Bronze in the Long Jump event with a jump of 6.97 meters at the Tokyo Olympic Games.

This post highlights five trophies Nigeria won under late President Muhammadu Buhari.

5 trophies Nigeria won under late President Buhari

1. Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2016

The Super Falcons maintained their dominance in women’s football on the continent under the late President Buhari as they won the 2016 and 2018 editions. Nigeria defeated host Cameroon on home soil in a pulsating final in Yaounde. Desire Oparanozie grabbed the winner in the 86th minute to secure the Super Falcons’ eighth trophy.

2. Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2018

After losing to rivals, South Africa, in their first match, the Super Eagles got their revenge in the final as they edged the Bayana Bayana on penalties to win their ninth title at the 2018 edition hosted by Ghana. Despite missing the first spot-kick, Ngozi Ebere, Rita Chikwelu, Chiwendu Ihezuo, and Chinaza Uchendu converted theirs to help the Super Falcons beat South Africa 4-3 on penalties.

3. CAF U-23 Africa Cup of Nations (2015)

Nigeria won its first CAF U-23 Africa Cup of Nations during the first term of President Buhari. The “Dream Team” defeated host Senegal en route to winning the tournament, which secured their place at the Men’s Football event at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. Nigeria defeated Algeria 2-1 in the final courtesy of goals from former Super Eagles midfielder Oghenekaro Etebo.

4. FIFA Under-17 World Cup

Nigeria won its fifth Under-17 World Cup title in Chile in 2015. It was the tournament that announced Super Eagles trio Victor Osimhen, Samuel Chukwueze, and Kelechi Nwakali to the world. The Golden Eaglets had a remarkable run en route, beating Mali in the final. Osimhen, who finished as top scorer with 10 goals, scored in the final in the 2-0 win.

5. The DTigress’ Dominance

Nigeria women’s senior basketball team, DTigress, began their dominance on the continent in 2017. DTigreess won three consecutive titles between 2017 and 2021 without losing a match in a six-year time frame. Nigeria defeated Senegal 65-48 to win the 2017 tournament. DTigress overcame host Senegal 60-55 in a keenly contested match-up to defend their title two years later. In 2021, DTigress beat Mali 70-59 to seal a three-peat.