Naija Sabi Do Things with Style!” – Sunday Oliseh Reacts to NFF’s Tribute to 1980 AFCON Heroes

Football is more than just a game; it’s a legacy, a passion, and a source of national pride. And when the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) took to social media to celebrate the Super Eagles’ first-ever AFCON triumph in 1980, it reignited memories of Nigeria’s golden era of football.

“On This Day in 1980, we won our first-ever AFCON.” 🏆

That was the message from the NFF’s official X handle as they honored Nigeria’s 45 years of AFCON glory, spanning from the historic 1980 win to the golden moments of 1994 and 2013. The post featured an iconic photo of the victorious squad, a team that laid the foundation for the greatness of Nigerian football.

Sunday Oliseh Pays Tribute to AFCON 1980 Legends

Among those who reacted to the post was ex-Super Eagles captain and 1994 AFCON winner, Sunday Oliseh, who revealed how the legendary 1980 squad inspired his love for Nigerian football.

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“This team was hugely responsible for my love of the Super Eagles’ green white green colours: Odegbami, Chukwu, Okala, Atuegbu, Muda Lawal, Nwosu, Owo Blow… They all had technical prowess, strength, and style. Naija sabi do things with style sha!!!”

Oliseh’s words perfectly capture the magic of the 1980 team—a squad that combined skill, power, and flair to dominate African football.

This team was hugely responsible for my love of the Super Eagles green white green colours;Odegbami,Chukwu,Okala,Atuegbu,Muda Lawal,Nwosu,Owo Blow… They all had technical prowess,Strenght and style.. Naija sabi do things with style Sha!!! https://t.co/9kgtM3aWU6

— Sunday Oliseh (@SundayOOliseh) March 23, 2025

AFCON 1980: Nigeria’s First Taste of Continental Glory

That historic tournament saw Segun “Mathematical” Odegbami and Muda Lawal lead the charge as Nigeria thrashed Algeria 3-0 in the final at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos. The victory sent the entire nation into celebration mode, marking the birth of the Super Eagles as a continental powerhouse.

Guided by coach Otto Glória, the team had icons like Christian Chukwu, Best Ogedegbe, Felix Owolabi (Owo Blow), Emmanuel Okala, Alloysius Atuegbu, Henry Nwosu, and Adokiye Amiesimaka, all of whom left an indelible mark in Nigeria’s football history.

A Legacy That Inspires Generations

Oliseh’s tribute is a reminder of how great teams shape the dreams of future generations. Just as the 1980 squad inspired him, his own generation—alongside legends like Jay-Jay Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu, and Rashidi Yekini—carved another golden chapter in 1994. And in 2013, Stephen Keshi, who was part of the 1994 team, led the Eagles to another AFCON glory as a coach.

Looking Ahead: Can the Eagles Do It Again?

With the 2025 AFCON on the horizon, the big question remains: Can the Super Eagles add a fourth star to their AFCON legacy?

As Nigeria celebrates 45 years of AFCON greatness, the current squad, led by stars like Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Alex Iwobi, has the opportunity to etch their names alongside the legends.

Naija sabi do things with style! Let’s do it again! 🦅💚⚽

📢 What’s Your Favorite AFCON Memory?

Who do you think was the most influential player from the 1980 squad? And do you believe the Super Eagles can reclaim AFCON glory in 2025? Drop your thoughts in the comments! 🔥