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 Warri wolves 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.
Sent from my BlackBerry wireless device from MTN
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