Nigeria at 58: 5 iconic moments in Nigeria's sports that brought joy in the heart of many Nigerians on this

macfranc007 October 01, 2018 Nigeria News today & Breaking news ▷ Read Naija news 24/7 Akan Anwankwo

Nigeria, as well all know, is the most populous black nation in the world with an estimated population of 170 million people.

Despite its political and economic challenges, the west African nation is still ranked among the strongest competitors in sports, most especially football.

Since gaining independence in 1960, Nigeria have written her name in the history of books of international competitions.

NaijSports will be looking at the 5 iconic moments in sports that brought joy into the life of Nigerians

1. Winning the 1980 Nations Cup

The Green Eagles of Nigeria layed the foundation for Nigeria as they won Nigeria's first Nations Cup trophy.

The tournament which was hosted and won by the West African Nation was led by the great Christian Chukwu.

Other notable figures in that squad includes; Segun Odegbami, Adokie Amesimaka, Best Ogedengbe, Stephen Keshu and a host of others.

Nigeria now has three Nations Cup titles as the two other were won in Tunisia 94 and South Africa 2013.

2. Golden Eaglets triumph of 1985

The first FIFA U-17 World Cup took center stage as the first edition was hosted in China and the Nigerian team became victorious in the competition.

The Golden Eaglets defeated Italy by 2-0 in the finals as captain Nduka Ugbade lifted the trophy and made Nigeria proud.

Till date, Nigeria is still the country with the most trophies won in the FIFA U-17 tournament with five.

3. First World Cup qualification in 1994

Nigeria finally qualified for a World Cup tournament in the United States in 1994 after several failed attempts.

The Super Eagles team led by Clemens Westerhof and captained by the late Stephen Keshi put the country's name in the map of world football.

Westerhof's side secured qualification in Algiers after playing out a 1-1 draw with Algeria which was enough to put the team through to the finals.

4. Atlanta 96' Olympic gold

The Olympics is a tournament which Nigeria has not been able to produce a world champion in Athletics and events.

However, Chioma Ajunwa became the first Nigeria to win an Olympic gold in the Women's long jump event.

A few days later, the men's football team won another gold in an emphatic fashion, coming from behind twice to defeat Argentina 3-2 in the finals.

PAY ATTENTION: Become a member of the leading sports Facebook group 'Naija Football Fan Zone'

5. Samuel Peter became Nigeria's first boxing heavyweight champion

Samuel Peter knocked out Oleg Maskaev to win the WBC world heavyweight title in 2008 as the Akwa Ibom state born boxer was celebrated all over the nation.

The 38-year-old has an outstanding career record of 42 fights, 36 wins - 29 coming by the way of knocks and six losses.

Who is the better coach, Mourinho or Conte? - on NAIJ.com TV