This study examined Nigeria’s claim of leadership in Africa in order to find out if it is a myth or reality. Our design is an ex post factor descriptive and historical research. In order to analyze the data collected, we used content analysis approach. We adopted realism as our theoretical framework for the study. Our choice is based on the fact that realism remains one of the most important theories of international relations. Realism explains the vital need for power in international relations and sees power as the most needed “commodity” in the international arena. The study discovered among other things that Nigeria has yet to establish a sound economic, military, technological base for playing any effective leadership role in Africa. Based on the findings, the study made a lot of recommendations which include the need for the charity of Nigeria leaders to begin at home; minimization of corrupt practices by the leaders and curbing of religious violence.