Nigeria 1-0 Burkina Faso: Super Eagles seal Afcon Glory

The continental heavyweights of
Nigeria overcame the underdogs of
Burkina Faso in a convincing Afcon
final display in South Africa

Nigeria’s young squad
made Africa Cup of
Nations history by
besting Burkina Faso in
Johannesburg to claim
the nation’s third
continental crown.
Sunday Mba’s first half
goal was enough to
seal victory against the
Stallions.
Few in attendance at the National Stadium
were under any doubt as to the magnitude
of the occasion, and the anticipation created
a powerful atmosphere inside the arena.
While both sides belted out the national
anthems with vigour and aplomb, Nigeria
were the only side that succeeded in
overcoming the emotion and expectation
early on. Burkina Faso, by comparison, were
nervy and at times looked overawed by the
altitude of the final.
The tension afforded Naija the better
opportunities early on, as the Stallions’
defence failed to settle. Victor Moses, a
player who has begun to emerge as a
genuine international star during this
competition, was particularly bright, and
looked keen to profit from any unease
among the opposition. He appeared
everywhere, troubling both fullbacks with his
pace, and also the subtler side of his game,
his feints and touches.
Efe Ambrose and Ideye Brown had
opportunities to demonstrate their aerial
prowess early on, but despite the bumbling
and fumbling of Daouda Diakite in the
Burkinabe goal, neither could capitalise. As
the first half unfurled, the Stallions struggled
to impose themselves; in frustration, perhaps
more than hope, Aristide Bance – one of the
semi-final heroes - twice shot from distance,
but both of his efforts were wayward – the
first hurtling over the bar, the second
dribbling wide.
With the game threatening to become
congested in the midfield, and Burkina still
struggling to settle, Nigeria struck first.
Moses forged some space for himself, and
after demonstrating admirable determination
and work rate, indirectly provided an
opportunity for Sunday Mba – the slayer of
Cote d’Ivoire – to fire the Eagles ahead.
The Enugu Rangers midfielder still had a lot
to do however, and a compilation of delicate
touches allowed him to glide past the
Stallions defence before finishing. It was
further vindication of Keshi’s domestic-based
selection policy, the manager becoming only
the second figure in history to win the cup as
both a player and a coach.
Burkina Faso, on the other hand, failed to
truly grow into the contest and find their
rhythm. While few would have begrudged
them a place in the final, after their heroic
performances previously, perhaps the
occasion was too big as the side appeared to
lack self-belief, and rarely convinced.
As the game became stretched late on, the
Stallions began taking risks, but only looked
menacing on rare occasions, one such
chance, a terrific shot by the substitute
Sanou, demanded a stunning save from
Enyeama to preserve Nigeria’s lead.
The Eagles also carved out several chances to
end things, but Moses and Brown conspired
to waste these promising situations - every
missed opportunity may have felt like a
portent to another Burkinabe uprising, but,
as the minutes dripped by, the inspiration
never arrived. Images of Alain Traore, injured
on the touchline, a horrible reminder of
‘what might have been’ for the Stallions.
The result ended a wait of 19 years for the
Super Eagles to be reunited with the trophy
that means so much to Nigerians worldwide.
Only time will tell if the generation of 2013
can emulate the past vintages beyond this
tournament, however, with a young squad,
including superstars such as Moses, Mikel,
and Musa, as well as the rawer talents of
Mba, Oboabona, and Omeruo, the future
looks very promising indeed.
Nigeria claim their third Cup of Nations with
the 2013 edition, as a continent recognises
their revival, and a nation rejoices.