Super Eagles Seal Afcon Glory, beat B’Faso 1-0

TIME stood still. Many Nigerians inside the National Stadium, Johannesburg, could not hold it any more as time ticked and the Burkinabes fought hard for an equalizer, which never came. It was the longest 45 minutes many Nigerians went through since the competition kicked off last month.
The apprehension was because Nigeria had gone into the competition six times as favourites and came out empty-handed. The Eagles were the bookies’ team Sunday and from experience the Nigerians inside the stadium did not want anything to happen to ‘their trophy.’ And finally, the whistle for the end of the game sounded to a great ovation from Super Eagles supporters.
The victory was expected, but not many Nigerians expected it to come with only Sunday Mba’s 40th minute goal.
Unlike other victories recorded by the Super Eagles in the 2013 AFCON, this one was different. It was the final of the championship and the Eagles backed by over 50 thousand fans did not disappoint.
With power horse, Emmanuel Emenike, absent due to injury, there was panic in the Nigerian camp at the beginning of the encounter. The fear was that the Burkinabes, who sent the Black Stars of Ghana out of the race, might capitalize on Emenike’s absence to wreck Nigeria.
A few in attendance at the Nelson Mandela Bay 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 was the only side that succeeded in overcoming the emotion and expectation early on. Burkina Faso, by comparison, was nervy and at times looked overawed by the altitude of the final.
The tension afforded Nigeria 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 Diakité in the Burkinabé goal, neither could capitalise. As the first half unfurled, the Stallions struggled to impose themselves; in frustration, perhaps more than hope, Aristide Bancé – 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 a 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 Burkinabé uprising, but, as the minutes dripped by, the inspiration never arrived. Shots of Alain Traoré, 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.
As it was in the semifinal victory against Mali, when thousands of Nigerians took to the streets of South Africa in celebration, the atmosphere in Johannesburg yesterday was super charged. As referee Haimoudi Djamel from Algeria blew his last whistle to signal the end of the game, the flag-and-banner-waving fans in their thousands went wild in jubilation.
Celebration from S’Africa to Nigeria
From the FBN National Stadium in Johannesburg , the celebration spilled over to all major cities, towns and villages in Nigeria  -  from Lagos, Abuja  the Federal Capital, Onitsha, Ilorin, Sokoto, Asaba, Ibadan, Maiduguri and virtually all the nooks and crannies of the nation.
Fireworks lit up the night sky in the neighbourhood-streets as football-crazy Nigerians celebrated a victory that had eluded them for 19 years.
Tributes for Africa’s soccer king
President Goodluck Jonathan congratulated the Super Eagles and all Nigerians on the county’s inspiring victory in the AFCON 2013 finals in Johannesburg.
A statement by the Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity) Dr. Reuben Abati, also said that President Jonathan thanked the coach Keshi and all members of the team for working hard and playing with great focus, dedication, artistry and patriotism to make Nigeria the proud champions of Africa once again after 19 years of setbacks in the competition.
He also commended the Minister of Sports, Mr. Bolaji Abdullahi, the Chairman and members of the Nigerian Football Federation and all others who contributed to the astonishing transformation of the Super Eagles from underdogs to gallant winners and glorious soccer champions of the African continent.
Continuing, Abati said: “Therefore, as the entire nation celebrates Nigeria’s remarkable triumph in South Africa, President Jonathan urges all Nigerians to imbibe the positive lessons of the Super Eagles’ success because the fulfillment of the country’s immense potential for greatness will be more speedily attained if more Nigerians resolve to emulate the team’s exemplary unity of purpose, dedication, commitment and devotion to service of the nation.
“The President also believes that having conquered Africa, the new Super Eagles can go on to achieve even greater glory at the World Cup in Brazil next year. He assures the team that it will receive every necessary support and encouragement from the Federal Government for that next national assignment.
“He also thanked the Government of South Africa and the Confederation of African Football for a well-organised tournament” and looks forward to receiving the victorious Super Eagles in Abuja on Tuesday.
Super Tuesday celebration
The President is set to receive the victorious Super Eagles in Abuja on Tuesday. Senate President, David Mark, who represented President Goodluck Jonathan joined in the celebration in South Africa. “I can’t believe this,” an excited Mark told The Guardian as he made his way from the VIP stand. “This is victory for all Nigerians and I thank the players and their officials for this wonderful gift. I won’t forget this day in many years to come.”
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, congratulated Nigerians. Tambuwal also disclosed that the House of Representatives would host the victorious Super Eagles during its plenary.
In a statement issued in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Malam Imam Imam, Tambuwal described the victory as sweet, reassuring and a reaffirmation of the superiority of Nigeria over other African countries both in football and other areas of human endeavour.
He said the Eagles had not only regained the hearts of supporters the world over with their mesmerising display, they had also lifted the spirit of the nation.
The Speaker said the unity of purpose shown by the team and their handlers reaffirmed the notion that when all are committed, achieving common objective would be a lot easier.
While congratulating the team and the nation on the achievement, Tambuwal urged football authorities in the country to double their efforts and ensure that the team not only qualifies for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, but wins the trophy for the first time.
Ogun State Governor,  Ibikunle Amosun, described the victory   as instructive. In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mrs. Funmi Wakama, Amosun described the success of the Nigerian team as “great”, especially coming against all odds.
“It shows that, as a country, we can always achieve our dreams if we are dedicated, committed and unwavering in the face of daunting challenges,” the governor said.
Amosun recalled that the Eagles left the shores of Nigeria for the 29th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in South Africa without being one of the favourites to win the championship but the “can do” spirit of the average Nigerian ensured that the team surmounted all obstacles to win the much-coveted trophy.
“Our dream of a great and united nation is always within our reach and attainment if we are committed and regard our challenges as mere stepping stones to the much-desired destination,” Amosun said.
While congratulating the Eagles and entire country for the 2013 AFCON success, Amosun restated the determination of his administration to continue to invest massively in the mental and physical development of its youths so that they could continue to win laurels for the state and Nigeria in general.
The Governor of Osun State, Rauf Aregbesola, also congratulated Nigerians.
Aregbesola, who spoke at the Okefia Roundabout Viewing Centre, which the government had provided for the soccer-loving citizens to gather for the match, said it was gratifying the country had one thing of national joy in the midst of several problems facing it.
“I congratulate Nigerians on this well-deserved victory. At least it is one thing of joy for us as we face the many problems confronting us as a country.”
In a statement by Director, Bureau of Communications and Strategy, Semiu Okanlawon, Aregbesola further urged Nigerians to continue to demonstrate the same degree of unity and sense of oneness exhibited in their massive support for the Eagles.
He said: “No religious differences, no ethnic differences and other such sentiments come between us when supporting our national team. We must demonstrate similar unity in all affairs of national interest.”