The passing of former Nigerian president Muhammadu Buhari was announced on Sunday.
Aged 82, the two-time Head of State was in charge of the country’s affairs for eight years in his second stint, between 2015 and 2023. In his time, the fortunes of Nigeria’s national teams fluctuated wildly: while there were no major triumphs, there were still a number of highlights during that time period.
Here is every time Nigeria’s national teams found a measure of success during Buhari’s tenure.
2015: Buhari’s first gold
In 2015, Nigeria won the U-17 World Cup for the fifth time in their history. Hosted in Chile, that year’s edition saw the Golden Eaglets sweep past the likes of Brazil and Mexico to claim glory.
It was a success that launched the careers of some of the biggest Super Eagles stars today, including Victor Osimhen and Samuel Chukwueze.
2016: Completing the Olympics set
The Rio Olympics were nothing if not chaotic. However, despite all the difficulty with preparation and travel, Nigeria put on a strong showing, entertaining many and winning bronze.
This, to go with their gold in 1996 and silver in 2008, saw Nigeria complete the set of medals in the men’s football event at the Olympics.
2016: #8 for the Super Falcons
At the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Cameroon, Nigeria claimed a record-extending eighth continental crown.
In arguably Asisat Oshoala’s last truly great international tournament performance, the Super Falcons crushed the likes of Mali and Kenya, before toughing it out against South Africa and the host nation to claim the trophy.
2018: Super Falcons reign supreme once more
A less convincing showing this time around than two years prior, as Nigeria not only lost in the Group Stage, but twice required penalty shoot-outs to come through stern examinations by the continent's top sides.
Still, another feather in Buhari’s cap as president.
2019: First AFCON medal in 3 editions
Under Buhari, the Super Eagles missed out on the 2017 edition of Africa’s showpiece. However, they roared back in 2019, not only qualifying but reaching the semi-finals, finishing third in the process.
It was a period of real optimism for the Nigeria men’s national team, as they seemed to be on an upward trajectory until COVID-19 struck the following year.
2023: A return to youth success
After an unusually lengthy drought, Nigeria could once more boast of a podium placement at youth level. At the 2023 U-20 AFCON, the Flying Eagles claimed bronze in Egypt, with the likes of young Super Eagles prospect Benjamin Francis starring.
It would prove to be the last football medal of the Buhari administration.
