There was a time when a proposed match with the Super Eagles of Nigeria would drive the opposing team to train for weeks in a bid to match up to the strength, skill and technical prowess of Africa’s legendary deadly squad.
In 2013, the Super Eagles proved why the rest of Africa needed to dread Nigeria on the playing field when they won the 2013 African Cup of Nations title without losing a single game.
During the qualification series, Nigeria was grouped alongside Burkina Faso, Zambia, and Ethiopia in Group C. However only Nigeria and Burkina Faso made it out of the group, with the latter leading the table on goal difference.
The Super Eagles started their qualification campaign with their feet to the fire, as they drew all their matches, save their 2-0 win against Ethiopia which sealed Nigeria’s qualification into the knockout stage of the tournament. At this point only three teams stood in the way of Nigeria and the 2013 AFCON title, and the Super Eagles knew this.
It was time to put on their game face, and they sure did!
Ivory Coast was the first victim of the Super Eagles moxie, with a 2-1 knockout. Next on was Mali, who felt the heat the Super Eagles bring to the game more than any other team in the the tournament. Nigeria defeated Mali 4-1 to qualify for the final.
It was more than a coincidence that Nigeria’s opponent in the final would be the very first team the Eagles played in the tournament, Burkina Faso. The Burkina Faso boys were good, having lost no game throughout the tournament into the final.
Nigeria vs Burkina Faso
It was Burkina Faso’s maiden appearance to the AFCON, and a win would have been totally worth the wait they endured all those years so they brought their A-game to face Nigeria.
They probably were not aware of the team they were going up against because the Super Eagles themselves were not prepared to loose the title to anyone.
Into the game, the Burkinabe were completely outgunned by Nigeria’s seasoned squad. Victor Moses was the major bane of the first time finalists, who could only wonder where the Chelsea man came from with such pace and directness on the ball.
The Super Eagles maintained full control over the Stallions who were going through hell at this time.
Though outclassed by Nigeria, the Burkinabe held their ground.
However, in the 40th minute Nigeria’s midfielder, Sunday Mba produced a moment of sheer brilliance when he cooly flicked the ball over Koffi and as the ball landed on the defender’s other side, Mba volleyed home with his left foot to give Nigeria a well deserved lead.
Burkina Faso could not shake off the fear the Super Eagles had put in them, and this led to Nigeria’s third AFCON title win.
See highlights below
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