5 most accomplished African national teams of all time

Nigeria v Argentina: Group D - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia
Nigeria v Argentina: Group D - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia

#3 Egypt National Team

Egypt striking a team pose at the 2018 FIFA World Cup
Egypt striking a team pose at the 2018 FIFA World Cup

Egypt has the honor of being the first African country to participate in the World Cup which was in the year 1934. Dubbed the Pharaohs, they are known for their prowess in the African scene.

The North African side have won the highest number of AFCON titles, with seven, including a three peat (2006, 2008 and 2010). They have made the most appearances in AFCON history.

Despite Egypt's dominance on the continental circuit, they are unable to replicate their feats on the global scene. They have qualified for just three editions of the World Cup (1934, 1990 and 2018). Egypt is also the first African team to play at the Olympics but they have never medaled. Their highest FIFA rank is ninth.

They have reached the AFCON finals of 2021 and will take on Senegal.


#2 Nigeria National Team

Nigeria lifting their trophy at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations Final
Nigeria lifting their trophy at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations Final

Nigeria is the African team with the highest FIFA rank. They were ranked fifth in 1994 after a decent outing at the World Cup, which doubles as their debut. They were well led by the late Rashidi Yekini, who scored Nigeria's first goal of the tournament.

The Super Eagles have been renowned for their consistency over the decades. Since their debut in 1994, they have not missed any World Cup tournaments except for the 2006 edition.

The Super Eagles have the second-most appearances for an African team at the World Cup, which is six. Their best result is at the round of 16 stage which was attained in the 1994,1998 and 2014 tournaments.

Nigeria is the only African team to win an Olympic medal of all colors, gold in Atlanta 1996, silver in Beijing 2008 and bronze in Rio 2016.

Continentally, they have won the AFCON titles three times with their recent victory in 2013


#1 Cameroon National Team

Cameroon in action at the FIFA Confederations Cup 2017
Cameroon in action at the FIFA Confederations Cup 2017

Cameroon is no doubt the most accomplished African team ever. Their seven appearances at the World Cup is a record for African teams.

The Indomitable Lions are among the few African powerhouses whose display of dexterity continentally outweighs internationally.

Cameroon are the first African team to qualify for the quarter finals at a World Cup tournament which, till date, remains their best result. Ever since that awesome feat at the 1990 World Cup, they have failed to get past the group stage despite the emergence of sensational players like Samuel Eto'o.

In the Olympic scene, Cameroon won gold in Sydney 2000 becoming the second African team after Nigeria's 1996 victory.

They have won the AFCON titles five times (1984, 1988, 2000, 2002 and 2017). Their highest FIFA ranking is 11th

Quick Links