How have we won just 3? Nigeria's baffling AFCON drought perplexes fans

A post on X.com, formerly Twitter, highlighting Nigeria’s remarkable 16 semifinal appearances at the Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, with just three titles won, has left fans scratching their heads.

Pulse Sports Nigeria reports that Nigeria’s Super Eagles picked up another semifinal ticket after a laboured 1-0 win against Angola in the first quarterfinal at the AFCON 2023 on Friday night.

Atlanta BC star Ademola Lookman was the match-winner for the second game in a row after he fired the decisive goal to down the gallant Angolan Antelopes in the second half.

The victory against the Palancas Negras secured another AFCON semifinal for Nigeria, the 16th ticket in 19 appearances at CAF’s elite competition.

This stunning statistic demonstrates Nigeria’s consistency in the tournament, but their inability to turn that into silverware has confounded supporters after just three wins.

With such an excellent record, many are questioning how the Super Eagles have not lifted more than three AFCON trophies, with the last won 10 years ago in South Africa.

“Among the 19 editions of AFCON Nigeria has participated in so far we have qualified to semi-finals 16 times!!! How have we won just 3?” A stunned supporter asked on X.

The post sparked debate about whether Nigeria underachieves at continental finals despite regularly going deep into tournaments.

“[we are] Always caving under pressure,” another replied in the comment section of the initial post.

“We lost so many semi-finals and finals,” another fan added.

“This stat is making my heart beat,’’ another Nigerian stated. 

“Wait and see you will know why,” a fourth posted.

Despite the gloom, some of the fans believe that the Super Eagles will not disappoint this time in Cote d’Ivoire after another semifinal ticket.

For a nation with such a rich football history, their AFCON drought since 2013 continues to mystify, however.