Today we’re joined by Oluwashina Okeleji to look back on the glorious mid-90s flight of Nigeria’s Super Eagles and just how unifying the national team is in a country with over 500 languages and many ethnic groups.

The peak came in the summer of 1996 in Athens, Georgia when they won Olympic gold after brilliant victories against star studded Brazilian and Argentinian sides, but the team also made a big impact on the World Cups of 1994 and 98.

 

How did they do it? What did the success mean to the country? Why has it never been repeated? And in what sense is Nigeria Ireland’s footballing twin?

Plus there’s the orange man, salt of the earth Dalkey people, Hollywood goalie, half volley evidence and Ken’s diet.

Click the image at the top of the page to play the show. Monday’s shows are free to all and Isolating with David O’Doherty is free on Mondays and Thursdays – to listen to our programming throughout the rest of the week, join the Second Captains World Service. It’s independent, commercial-free and member-led with feature interviews, breaking news, Richie Sadlier’s Player’s Chair, The Politics Podcast and lots of added extras.

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