-The Cameroun Factor!
By David Olanrewaju.
I start this write up by congratulating the Super Eagles of Nigeria for their good show, so far, in the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco. After the three round of matches in the group stage, Nigeria topped Group C with the maximum 9 points available, by winning all their 3 group matches. That’s a good performance by any standard. But., while many Nigerian Soccer Fans worldwide are still basking in the euphoria of their recent performances at the 2025 African Nations Cup (AFCON) in Morocco., I write this piece to look ahead and consult my crystal ball to see whether the Super Eagles will eventually triumph and excel and win the Cup in Morocco or not. Unfortunately., it may shock you to know that Nigeria will not win it. This is a researched statement of fact from me having watched and followed Nigeria’s National teams (both Junior and Senior) since 1985. These are my reasons.
There’s an inexplicable mystery following any Nigerian National Team (except the Female National Teams) to any Competition (either in Africa or in the world) where their next door neighbours and perennial rivals, Cameroun are also attending. Let’s look at it one after the other.
*Nigeria’s National Team, the Super Eagles, then known as the Green Eagles, won her first major title at the 1973 All-Adrica Games in Lagos, when they clitched the Gold Medal at the Soccer of the event. Cameroun did not participate. Then , in 1980., they won the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), hosted by Nigeria, in Lagos. Unknown to many Soccer Journalists in Nigeria and abroad., Cameroun did not play at AFCON 1980.
*Then., in 1980., the Golden Eaglets of Nigeria shocked the world by winning the maiden edition of the FIFA U-17 World Cup in China in 1985. Cameroun were not there. They did not qualify to represent Africa. This will shock a lot of people. Nigeria won her second FIFA U-17 World Cup in Japan in 1993. Cameroun did not attend Japan ’93. Nigeria won Tunisia ’94 AFCON for the second time in her history with a splendid and stupendous performance. Unkown to many people., Cameroun did not qualify to play at Tunisia ’94 Cup of Nations. Nigeria shocked the world again with an exemplary and sterling performance at Atlanta ’96 Olympics Soccer event by winning it for Africa for the very first time. Cameroun were not there! They did not qualify from Africa to play at Atlanta ’96. Nigeria again won her third FIFA U-17 World Cup in Korea in 2007. Cameroun were not there *
*Fast forward to 2013. Nigeria won her third AFCON at South Africa 2013. Many Soccer enthusiasts, fans, watchers, writers, journalists, afficianados, etc do not remember that Cameroun did not play at AFCON 2013 in South Africa, which Nigeria gloriously won and celebrated. Do you think that I am getting too superstitious? Let’s continue the history again.
In 2017, led by a young rookie footballer called Victor Osimhen and coached by a Former International, who has gargantuan soccer lucks tied around his neck., Emmanuel Amuneke., Nigeria won her fifth FIFA U-17 World Cup. Cameroun were not in attendance in the competition. That’s Nigeria’s male National teams’ last victory in any recognized international competition till today. If we look at this statistics very well , we’ll notice that Nigeria has not been able to win any Competition that their next door neighbors, Cameroun are also a participant. I’ve studied this critically and I’ve come to the conclusion that Nigeria may not win any Competition that Cameroun are also involved. Why this is happening is esoteric to me too. But, it always happen and it will continue to happen. What we can do to obliterate this awful history and record., I do not know too. Look at the kast AFCON in Core ‘D Ivoire (CIV) in 2023. Despite the fact that Nigeria had a good and fantastic run and performance all through the competition., they shockingly and surprisingly fell to the hands of the hosts, Core ‘D Ivoire in the Final. Cote D’ Ivoire that were almost kicked out in the group stages of the competition. Cote ‘D Ivoire that were ultimately disgraced by Equitorial Guinea by 4 goals to 1 in the group stages of the Competition. But, in the Final match, Cote ‘D Ivoire beat Nigeria by 2 goals to 1. It was a very painful experience for Nigerians and lovers of Nigerian Football world wide. Suffice it to say that Cameroun were at AFCON 2023 in Cote ‘D Ivoire. Nigeria also had a great performance at AFCON 2021 in Cameroun. They won all their 3 group matches and topped her group with 9 solid points. They were the hot favourites for the Cup. What happened at last? Despite their great showing at the Competition., Nigeria were beaten by Tunisia in the knock out stage and there ended their hopes and aspirations. Guess what? Cameroun played at AFCON 2021. Infact., they were the hosts.
In conclusion., if you patiently weave all these facts and figures together, you’ll agree with me that the Super Eagles of Nigeria may not win the on-going Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco. I wish these current Eagles can change this narrative. Let’s all pray for them. God bless the Super Eagles of Nigeria. God bless Nigeria.
-David Olanrewaju is a Lagos-Based Journalist and the current Editor of Our Moment Newspaper, a Lagos-Based News Media. He can be reached via: Tel: 08034366056, 08024254533., and email: ourmomentnewspaper@gmail.com
