In 1996, Nigeria stunned the footballing world by winning gold at the Atlanta Olympic Games. The team's story is told in a new documentary, "Super Eagles 96."
In 1996, Nigeria stunned the footballing world by winning gold at the Atlanta Olympic Games. The team's story is told in a new documentary, "Super Eagles 96."
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The players hold aloft coach Johannes Bonfrère. His tenure came after that of fellow Dutchman Clemens Westerhof, who coached the Nigerian team that won the 1994 African Cup of Nations and was widely credited with laying the groundwork for the country's Olympic victory.
The players hold aloft coach Johannes Bonfrère. His tenure came after that of fellow Dutchman Clemens Westerhof, who coached the Nigerian team that won the 1994 African Cup of Nations and was widely credited with laying the groundwork for the country's Olympic victory.
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Nigeria began the competition with a 1-0 victory over Hungary, with Nwankwo Kanu scoring the game's only goal. Pictured, Jay-Jay Okocha making a tackle.
Nigeria began the competition with a 1-0 victory over Hungary, with Nwankwo Kanu scoring the game's only goal. Pictured, Jay-Jay Okocha making a tackle.
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After beating Japan 2-0, and then losing to Brazil, Nigeria faced Mexico in the quarterfinals. Pictured, Sunday Oliseh dribbles around Mexico's Pavel Pardo en route to a 2-0 victory.
After beating Japan 2-0, and then losing to Brazil, Nigeria faced Mexico in the quarterfinals. Pictured, Sunday Oliseh dribbles around Mexico's Pavel Pardo en route to a 2-0 victory.
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The semi final saw Nigeria face Brazil for the second time in the tournament. Despite having a squad that boasted stars like future two-time Ballon d'Or winner Ronaldo (pictured), Roberto Carlos and Rivaldo, Brazil were held to a draw after 90 minutes, and lost in extra time to a Kanu goal.
The semi final saw Nigeria face Brazil for the second time in the tournament. Despite having a squad that boasted stars like future two-time Ballon d'Or winner Ronaldo (pictured), Roberto Carlos and Rivaldo, Brazil were held to a draw after 90 minutes, and lost in extra time to a Kanu goal.
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The final saw Nigeria take on an Argentina team that boasted stars including Hernan Crespo and Claudio Lopez, who both scored to give Argentina a 2-1 lead. But Daniel Amokachi, pictured, leveled 15 minutes from time before Emmanuel Amunike scored in the 90th minute to seal a dramatic 3-2 victory for the Super Eagles.
The final saw Nigeria take on an Argentina team that boasted stars including Hernan Crespo and Claudio Lopez, who both scored to give Argentina a 2-1 lead. But Daniel Amokachi, pictured, leveled 15 minutes from time before Emmanuel Amunike scored in the 90th minute to seal a dramatic 3-2 victory for the Super Eagles.
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Abiodon Obafemi, Taribo West, Mobi Oparaku and Wilson Oruma sporting their gold medals.
Abiodon Obafemi, Taribo West, Mobi Oparaku and Wilson Oruma sporting their gold medals.
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The Olympic-winning side featured a number of players who would become international club stars. Captain Nwankwo Kanu was a two-time African Player of the Year and played for clubs including Inter Milan and Arsenal.
The Olympic-winning side featured a number of players who would become international club stars. Captain Nwankwo Kanu was a two-time African Player of the Year and played for clubs including Inter Milan and Arsenal.
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Celestine Babayaro was just 17 when he won Olympic gold. He joined Chelsea the next year and later played for Newcastle United.
Celestine Babayaro was just 17 when he won Olympic gold. He joined Chelsea the next year and later played for Newcastle United.
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Tough-tackling defender Taribo West signed for Inter Milan shortly after the Atlanta Olympics and later moved to rivals AC Milan.
Tough-tackling defender Taribo West signed for Inter Milan shortly after the Atlanta Olympics and later moved to rivals AC Milan.
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Midfielder Jay-Jay Okocha played for Paris St Germain and joined EPL team Bolton Wanderers in 2002, where he was given the captain's armband. Heralded for his flair, Okocha became a cult hero in England, earning the moniker, "Jay-Jay, so good they named him twice."
Midfielder Jay-Jay Okocha played for Paris St Germain and joined EPL team Bolton Wanderers in 2002, where he was given the captain's armband. Heralded for his flair, Okocha became a cult hero in England, earning the moniker, "Jay-Jay, so good they named him twice."
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After the Olympics, pacey winger Tijani Babangida joined Dutch side Ajax, winning a league title with the team, and helping them reach the semi finals of the Champions League.
After the Olympics, pacey winger Tijani Babangida joined Dutch side Ajax, winning a league title with the team, and helping them reach the semi finals of the Champions League.
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