It’s been 32 long years since Zambia managed to defeat Nigeria in a competitive match.
The Chipolopolo’s last victory was at the 1985 Africa Cup of Nations, a tournament none of them were fortunate enough to win.
Since then, it’s been a dreadful streak against the West Africans who have won five out of the last seven meetings.
As you would expect, those fortunate to be born then, can’t even seem to call to mind the state of things at that time.
With another epic encounter between the pair only hours away, we take a trip down memory lane to those thoughts we can’t forget from that year.
- Naira stronger than US Dollar
Nigeria’s economy was one of the strongest in the world at that time; as such the naira was equally powerful. So good that not even the US Dollar could rival it. At that time, the USD was exchanged for around N0.894.
- Nothing like Akwa Ibom
As it’s been the case throughout the qualifying series, Akwa Ibom will again host the Eagles against Zambia. But back in 1985, there was nothing of such – the state hadn’t even been created. That happened two years later.
- Eagles still ‘Green’ not ‘Super’
For many years, the Nigeria national football team have been known as the Super Eagles. However, back when Zambia recorded that famous victory, they were called the Green Eagles. That nickname wasn’t changed until the early 90’s, known as the golden era.
- Nigeria win maiden U-17 World Cup
Almost the same time that the Chipolopolo were teaching the Eagles some hard lessons, a new generation of Nigerian stars was being born. Against all odds, Nigeria clinched the maiden edition of the FIFA U-17 World Cup, which they will go on to win four more times.
