CAN 2013 - Finale Nigéria 1 - 0 Burkina Faso by warrant
Stephen Keshi's move to include a number of local Nigerian talent into a team with its share of international names paid off handsomely with Sunday Mba of the Enugu Rangers scoring the only goal. His exquisite touch and consummate finish in the 34th minute made the difference. Keshi also led the Super Eagles to their last Africa Cup title in 1994 as a player and thus became only the second man after Egyptian Mahmoud El Gohary, to repeat success as coach as well as player.
Burkina Faso had their moments. They received a boost when the player of the tournament, Jonathan Pitroipa was cleared to play after his red card was rescinded by CAF on review following Tunisian referee Slim Jedidi's decision to book him for "diving" in the match against Ghana. An egregious mistake that was quickly corrected
In the 73rd minute, Vincent Enyeama's fingertip graze was enough to alter the the course of Wilfried Sanou's rapid fire shot headed seemingly for goal.
The Super Eagles won their third Africa Cup and deserve all the kudos but the 92nd ranked Stallions can hold their heads high, taking their tiny country to the finals for the first ever time, never awed, always proud. Congratulations to both teams.
Pitroipa was named MVP of the tournament and it will come as little surprise should he be targeted for a move to a bigger league from Rennes in the French Ligue.
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