Ndidi and Boniface Weigh In on the Big Question: Who’s Better, 1996 Eagles or Today’s Team?
- Wilfred Ndidi and Victor Boniface have shared their thoughts about two eras of the Super Eagles
- The 1996 golden generation is the most successful team in the history of Nigerian national teams
- The current Super Eagles, led by Eric Chelle, boast of top stars playing in big European leagues
Super Eagles stars Victor Boniface and Wilfred Ndidi have commented on the big debate on which national team squad is the best across eras.
Nigeria first conquered the continent, winning the Africa Cup of Nations in 1980, but it was in the 90s that the country gained global recognition.
Source: Getty Images
The class of 1994, which has the likes of Austin Jay-Jay, Sunday Oliseh, late Peter Rufai, Daniel Amokachi, Tijani Babangida and Finidi George, amongst others, conquered the continent and the world.
They won the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations, participated in Nigeria's first FIFA World Cup in 1994, won the Atlanta 1996 Olympic gold medal and also played at the 1998 World Cup.
Ndidi, Boniface compare 1996 set vs current Eagles
Super Eagles stars Wilfred Ndidi, Victor Boniface and Frank Onyeka, discussing on the Culture League Podcast, brought up the big topic.
Their guests, ex-BBN housemate Sheggs and actress Wofai, sided with the 1996 golden generation, citing the joy they brought to Nigerians and their experience as a reason.
Fans in the comments session agreed that the '90s team were far ahead of the current stats in terms of talent and achievements.
@assadullah69 wrote:
“It's not clear cut, if Iwobi locks in and supplies Osimhen well, he go cause problems, but that old school defence was goated. That defence was the deal.”
@gwex_ wrote:
“Omoo na Old school ohhh them complete finish. Good wingers, good strikers, a very good number 10, brutal defenders, a solid goal keeper, brooo the old school hands down!”
@thebig_samm wrote:
“But in truth, the 96 team would destroy this current team.. Don't get me wrong, there are very good and talented players in this current team, but what they lack is the synergy to play as a single team. Everybody de form superstar. Omoh but that 96 team plays with one spirit, they play with their blood and sweat... Reason am.”
@katchydyke_aniete wrote:
“Yekini top 9, Amokachi 7, Adepoju 11, Kanu 8, Jay Jay 10, Oliseh 4, back 4, Garba Lawal or Babayaro, Uche Okechukwu, Taribo West and... Then Rufai at the post...how una wan win this team?”
Source: Twitter
The wave created by the 90s team is yet to be topped by any team, having achieved Nigeria's highest FIFA ranking of fifth in the world and first in Africa.
The current team boasts of superstars playing in the big European leagues and have attained celebrity status, but based on Nigerian’s public opinion, they are no match for the 90s team.
The new age stars' best outing at the Africa Cup of Nation was losing the 2023 final to host nation Ivory Coast. They missed out on the 2022 FIFA World Cup and could miss the 2026 edition as well.
Sunday Oliseh names best Super Eagles team
Legit.ng previously reported that Sunday Oliseh named the clash of 1994 as the best Super Eagles team, explaining why they were better than the 1980s team.
Oliseh claimed that their success with the national team and gaining international prominence at their clubs was why they were the best Nigerian team.
Source: Legit.ng
