Owolabi Recalls 1980 Semi-final Strike as Nigeria Prepare to Face Morocco Again

As Nigeria and Morocco renew their Africa Cup of Nations rivalry, memories of one of Nigeria’s most defining football nights have resurfaced — the 1980 semi-final in Lagos, settled by a thunderous strike from left-back Felix Owolabi.

Forty-six years ago, the then Green Eagles edged Morocco 1–0 in a titanic semi-final clash at the 12th Africa Cup of Nations, booking a place in the final and setting Nigeria on course for their first continental title.

Speaking in reflection, Owolabi recalled the heavy odds Nigeria faced against a Moroccan side widely regarded as one of the strongest teams in the tournament.

“Many sports lovers didn’t believe in us beating Morocco because they were a strong force in the championship,” he said. “They came all the way from Group B in Ibadan, and the expectation was that they would overpower us.”

For Owolabi and his teammates, however, the semi-final was about more than a single match. It was driven by years of near-misses and unfinished ambition.

“All the players of our era were bent on making history for ourselves and the nation, having lost out in 1976 and 1978,” he explained. “For us, it was either the Cup or nothing more.”

That determination was ultimately expressed in the 9th minute of the match when Owolabi unleashed what he described as a “bullet shot” from 24 metres — a strike that beat the Moroccan goalkeeper and sent the Lagos crowd into rapture.

“Our zeal and ultimate commitment were to go all out and beat Morocco,” he said. “And that is exactly what happened when I scored the only goal to book Nigeria a ticket to the final.”

Nigeria would go on to defeat Algeria in the final, lifting the AFCON trophy for the first time and cementing the 1980 team’s place in African football history.

Looking ahead to the present-day Super Eagles, Owolabi believes the current generation can surpass their achievements if they remain focused.

“I believe our boys can do better than what we did,” he said. “Nothing should distract them. All they need to do is go with the philosophy I have always believed in — team spirit, teamwork, discipline and attitude.”

With Nigeria and Morocco set to meet once again on the continental stage, Owolabi’s words serve as both a reminder of past glory and a rallying call for a new chapter to be written.

“Say to yourself, and so shall it be,” he added. “Good luck to them.”