Unique African football records (part two)

By Peter Ochieng

African football has evolved over the years, providing an opportunity for teams and individual players to hold some unique records that may take ages to break.

Here is part two of the sample:  

10. Nigeria and Cameroon

The West Africans hold the record of being the only African nations to win the Olympics men football gold medal. 

Nigeria was the first African team to achieve the feat in Atlanta, US in 1996 after beating Argentina in the final.

Four years later in Sydney Australia, the gold medal returned to Africa courtesy of Cameroon beating Spain in the final. 

Nigeria won Silver in 2008 in Beijing China, with Argentina carrying out revenge. Morocco won Bronze in 2024, in Paris, France.

11. Ghana U20

The only African nation to win the FIFA U20 World Cup. Ghana won the title when Egypt hosted the tournament in 2009.

The Black Stars beat Brazil 4-3 via post-match penalties, after the final match ended 0-0. On the other hand, Nigeria has finished as runners-up twice, in 1989 and 2005.

13. Nigeria U17

Is the most successful U17 team in the World with 5 FIFA U17 World Cup titles.

Nigeria won the title in 1985, 1993, 2007, 2013 and 2015, alongside finishing runners up thrice, in 1987, 2001, 2009. Brazil is the second most successful team with 4 titles.  

14. Peter Ndlovu

The former Zimbabwean striker is the first African to play in the modern English premier league, founded in 1992. 

Ndlovu played for Coventry City from 1991 to 1997, before featuring for Birmingham City, Huddersfield Town (on loan) and Sheffield United respectively. 

15. South Africa

The first African country to host the FIFA World Cup tournament. South Africa hosted the world football extravaganza in 2010. 

16. Victor Osimhen 

The first African to win the Golden boot in Serie A. The Nigerian, currently on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli scored 26 goals to lead Napoli to the Serie A title in 2022/2023.     

17. Tabitha Chawinga

The Malawian forward is the African female footballer to win the golden boot in Serie A. She scored 23 goals for Inter Milan Ladies in the 2022/2023 season. 

18. Nigeria Super Falcons 

The Nigerians are the most successful African team in Women Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), since the competition became full-scale in 1998. The Falcons have won 11 of the 14 editions of the WAFCON.

Click here for part one.