AFCON Stories: Nigeria withdrew from 1996 edition due to politics

The Africa Cup of Nations has always had a unique flair for drama, with strange and remarkable stories stretching back to the first edition in 1957.

Across decades, the continent’s biggest tournament has mirrored Africa itself: unpredictable and full of unforgettable incidents.

One of the most striking tales came in 1996, when South Africa hosted AFCON for the first time after returning to international football following the end of apartheid. It should have been a showcase of unity, but instead produced a political storm that cost the tournament one of its strongest teams.

Nigeria, reigning champions after lifting the 1994 title and boasting a golden generation featuring stars like Jay‑Jay Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu, Emmanuel Amunike, and Daniel Amokachi, withdrew from the competition. The decision had nothing to do with footballing weakness and everything to do with politics.

A fierce dispute erupted between Nigerian president Sani Abacha and South African leader Nelson Mandela, prompting Nigeria to pull out of the tournament entirely. CAF reacted firmly, banning Nigeria from the next AFCON in 1998 as punishment for the withdrawal.

As AFCON 2025 kicks off in Morocco from 21 December to 18 January 2026, Nigeria return once again under far calmer circumstances, opening their campaign against Tanzania on 23 December.

Yet the memory of 1996 remains one of the most remarkable examples of how politics once walked straight onto Africa’s biggest football stage.