Chronicling Nigeria's triumph at 2013 Nations Cup 10 years on

Today, February 10, 2023, marks exactly 10 years since Nigeria last won the Nations Cup in South Africa.

In this piece, we look back at the matches played by the Super Eagles en route to becoming three-time African champions.

After a slow start to the tournament which saw Nigeria record two draws in their opening two games, the Stephen Keshi-led side sprung back to life in their final group game and never looked back.

Nigeria 1-1 Burkina Faso

The Super Eagles opened their campaign against West African neighbours Burkina Faso at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit.

Emmanuel Emenike gave the Super Eagles the lead in the 23rd minute but the Burkinabes equalized at the dying embers of the game courtesy of Al. Traoré 94th minute strike.

Zambia 1-1 Nigeria

The Super Eagles for a second consecutive game failed to protect their one-goal lead after Emmanuel Emenike had given Stephen Keshi's side the lead against the defending champions in the 57th minute.

Zambian goalkeeper Kenneth Nweene equalized from the spot in the 86th minute to rescue a point for the 2012 champions.

Ethiopia 0-2 Nigeria

The Super Eagles got their campaign back on track after two late goals from Victor Moses gave Nigeria its first win at the tournament.

Moses scored from the spot in the 80th and 90th minutes to secure a convincing win for the Eagles.

Ivory Coast 1-2 Nigeria

Stephen Keshi's side beat the star-studded Ivorian team with the likes of Didier Drogba, Yaya Toure, Gervinho, Kalou, and Emmanuel Eboué all on this display.

Eminike gave the Super Eagles the lead in the first half with what was his third goal in the tournament.

The late Cheick Tioté equalized for the Elephants five minutes after the restart before Mba Sunday grabbed the winner for Nigeria in the 78th minute.

Mali 1-4 Nigeria

The Super Eagles recorded a comprehensive win after dispatching Mali 4-1 in semis to book their place in the grand finale.

Goals from Echiéjilé, Ideye, Emenike, and Musa ensured that Cheick Diarra's 70th-minute strike only counted for a consolation.

Nigeria 1-0 Burkina Faso

Mba Sunday on a Sunday delivered the much-awaited prize to end Nigeria's 19-year wait for a Nations Cup trophy.

The attacking midfielder's 40th-minute strike won Nigeria its third AFCON title at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg.



WDN