Atlanta: Nigeria are one of the formidable sides of African football. Although they haven’t done much in the FIFA World Cups over the years but were a constant presence representing their continent and also done well in the age group football on the international circuit. Besides that they have produced players who captured the eyes of footballing fraternity.
However, at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, the ‘Super Eagles’ surprised many as they topped the podium claiming gold despite not being the pre-tournament favourites. Under the guidance Johannes Bonfrere, the African powerhouse side finished second in their group before seeing off Mexico in the quarterfinals. Nigeria defeated heavyweights Brazil in a goal-fest booking their place in the final where they beat Argentina 3-2 for the gold.
Here are some of the starts who lit the up the tournament:
Nwankwo Kanu: Arguably, the player of the campaign, Kanu was the top-scorer for his country with three strikes, a couple of them coming in late in the semifinal clash against Brazil. He had a stellar career with the likes of Ajax where won the treble in 1995 while also being present in the famous ‘Invincibles’ Arsenal side that finished 2003-04 Premier League season unbeaten. He retired in 2012, and now manages his various businesses as well as his charity, The Kanu Heart Foundation.
Joseph Dosu: Although listed as Nigeria’s second-choice goalkeeper pre-competition, Dosu established himself in the match-day squad playing every minute of the Nigeria’s dream campaign. However, before a possible move to Italian side Reggiana, an unfortunate car accident in Lagos in 1997 ended his hope for a good career at the age of just 23. Later, he move towards football management after his recovery taking over charge at Westerlo Football Academy in Lagos.
Taribo West: A commanding presence at the Super Eagles backline and famous for his funky hairstyles, West was one of the vital players at the Games feaurting in all the with his centre-back partner Uche Okechukwu. He went on to play for the likes of Internazionale and AC Milan, as well as having spells in England, Germany, Serbia, and Qatar before hanging up his boots in 2008 to become a Pentecostal preacher.
Jay-Jay Okocha: Known for his tricks, flicks and feints, Okocha was undeniably the football artist in that side. He played all the six games in Atlanta scoring twice. Okocha then signed for PSG as the most expensive African player of the time in 1998, before making a move to Bolton Wanderers, where he make the English football fans go crazy with his sparkling display. Since his retirement in 2008, he moved into business.
Sunday Oliseh: Oliseh was a vital cog of that squad as the first-choice holding midfielder playing in five of the six games in Atlanta. He had notable stints with the likes of Juventus and Borussia Dortmund before hanging up his boots in 2006. Oliseh later took over as head coach of Nigeria’s Super Eagles. He now works as a television pundit in Belgium while working with the FIFA Technical Study Group.
Emmanuel Amuneke: Amuneke was the one of the overage players selected for the ‘Super Eagles’ side for the Games. He featured in all the games in Atlanta before sealing a move to Barcelona after the competition. Since retirement, Amuneke became a manager, he won the FIFA U-17 World Cup with Nigeria in 2015. Recently he was at charge of Masr El Makasa of Egypt.
