Super Eagles Fly To The Top

Nigeria – Champion of Africa!!! Courtesy: The Nation

There was no upset this time! Neither a moment of individual brilliance, nor a dramatic late goal. On Sunday, Nigeria showed the world and its critics that the draw against Burkina Faso in the opening game of the group stage was nothing worrisome by defeating the same Burkinabe side 1-0 in the African Cup of Nations final! This was the third title in the Nigeria’s history and made up for when the team missed out on last edition of the tournament due to failure to qualify.

The win also earned Nigeria a spot in the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup, which will be played out in Brazil this summer. Other than the hosts and the Super Eagles, the tournament will feature Spain, Italy, Uruguay, Mexico, Japan and Tahiti.

It can be said that the Super Eagles were the better team on the pitch in the first half as they created a few good early chances. However, it was not until the 40th minute that they scored, when Sunday Mba got the most of the situation when a lucky deflection sent the ball in his feet. Burkina Faso in turn tried to threaten the Nigerian goal through efforts by Aristide Bancé.

The second half was more of the same and Nigeria had more good opportunities as the Stallions opened up in the back while seeking an equalizer. However, lack of concentration on part of the Nigerian forwards kept Burkina Faso in the game. In fact, the Stallions nearly made Nigeria pay in the 73rd minute, but Wilfried Sanou‘s close-range shot was saved by goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama. Burkina Faso didn’t create any serious threat in the remaining time and thus the score remained 1-o Nigeria.

Wilfried Sanou’s golden chance goes begging. Photo: Getty Images

Here is the story of the game in images: http://www.fifa.com/confederationscup/photogallery/gallery=2010043.html#2010226

And here is the most thorough highlights video clip that I could find out there: http://footyroom.com/nigeria-1-0-burkina-faso-2013-02/

Enjoy!

Comments are welcome!