Thursday, 20 June 2013
African Cup Of Nations - Mba's Wondergoal Wins Trophy For Nigeria-Europsports
Nigerian Super Eagles lift cup at AFCON 2013
By SR Sports
Nigeria won the African Cup of Nations thanks to a fabulous goal from Sunday Mba to give the Super Eagles a 1-0 win over Burkina Faso at Soccer City in Johannesburg.
It was a thoroughly deserved third African crown for Nigeria, who dominated the game throughout and could have had several more goals were it not for some sloppy finishing.
But Mba's splendid goal - which involved a magnificent bit of ball juggling - proved enough for them, though Burkina Faso leave South Africa with their heads held high after a wonderful run to the final.
The night belonged to Nigeria, however, with manager Stephen Keshi becoming the first man to win the tournament as both player and coach.
The two sides had met in their opening match of the tournament, with Burkina Faso grabbing a draw in injury time that ultimately saw them top the group - and Nigeria started as if they meant to make amends for that surprise stalemate.
Efe Ambrose almost opened the scoring after just eight minutes as his powerful header from Victor Moses's free kick went just inches over.
Two minutes later Ideye Aide Brown was on hand to poke goalwards after a shocking mistake by Burkina Faso goalkeeper Daouda Diakité, who spilled the ball to his opponent as he charged out at a corner - but Ideye failed to find the target.
That seemed likely to be the story of the opening half: Nigeria enjoying the lion's share of possession and chances but not making a breakthrough.
The feeling that fate might be against them was only enhanced five minutes before half time when Moses's brilliant work drawing in three defenders ended as his shot ricocheted back towards him.
The opportunity seemed over, even as the ball bounced out to Mba - but what the midfielder did next was worthy of winning any final. His first touch popped the ball up into the air and guided it away from two defenders; his second touch was a sublime volley poking the ball into the far corner, leaving Diakite rooted to the spot.
The incredible strike, reminiscent of Paul Gascoigne's famous goal against Scotland at Euro '96, would prove to be the only one of the match. Nigeria continued to control the game in the second half, so much so that they enjoyed the luxury of spurning several excellent chances.
Moses was culpable as he took too much time while one-on-one against Diakite on the hour mark, and unbelievably Ahmed Musa fell flat on his face after tripping on the admittedly poor playing surface with 17 minutes left when Moses had delivered him a gilt-edged chance.
Those blunders would have been rued if Nigeria keeper Victor Enyeama had not produced a brilliant save to palm Wilfried Sanou's drive around the post, but in the end Mba's earlier strike proved decisive - and it would be hard to imagine a finer goal to decide a final anywhere in the world.
Comments
18 comment(s)
Post a comment
Why tribalism has eaten
Submitted by walextra (not verified) on February 14, 2013 - 04:51.
Why tribalism has eaten better part of ur senses just bcos we have so many SE and SS people in the team that making u talk to other tribes like well let me remind 1980 and 1994 who are the highest goal scorer if u don't know it is segun odegbami and rashidi yekini of blessed memory even who scored nigeria first world cup goal go ask ur father for an nswer I will not give u expo bloody idiot
Congrats Eagles.
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on February 11, 2013 - 15:43.
I tend disagree with you regarding your second paragraph,the likes of the players you mentioned do deserve their respect as very talented young men, but its time for them to move on to other things and give space for younger talent to thrive. This,I believe has been practically demonstrated for all to see.
This Sunday, the son of Mba
Submitted by pee (not verified) on February 11, 2013 - 15:21.
This Sunday, the son of Mba has a lion's heart. His two goals proved decisive. Could you imagine what could have happened without those goals.
Meanwhile congrats all valiant eagles and cheerleading fans.
Keshi has silence...
Submitted by Kamarasky (not verified) on February 11, 2013 - 14:56.
Keshi has silence his critics with a big slap on their faces. The likes of Deri and Olusegun should bury their heads in shame.These two idiots are always quick to judgement and criticism base on tribal sentiments.They are Too blind to know that the policies of " federal character " is not working in nigeria, reasons why we remain stagnant for years.It really does not matter whether a mouse is black or white but what matters is to catch the mouse.
The drunken SS/SE aborigines again!
Submitted by Abdul (not verified) on February 11, 2013 - 13:28.
Now the drunken aborigines from the SS and their brain damaged counterparts from the east are clamouring for government roles (exclusively) based on the performance of the Nigerian football team, or according to the lowly fools “biafran football team”. Well, maybe in their animal kingdom but definitely not in nigeria. And the big nosed retard can lead the kingdom too, after all he already has a doctorate in that! The analogy is just so baffling; it’s like a gorilla asking to be the head just because it can break wind via its anus the longest!! Foolish people….arrant animals!!
LET US NOT LOSETHE LESSONS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS VICTORY
Submitted by ette (not verified) on February 11, 2013 - 07:42.
First big congratulations to Keshi and his team. They have passed great lessons to Nigerians. Doing the right things is key to success. BON insisted on paying right amont and save us frpm usual corruption. Keshi did the right thing in selectIng the best players with the right atttude despite pressures.It is only merit that ensures success and Keshi and his team have shown that. Criticisms and what we make of them can spur us in the positive or negative direction. Keshi and his boys were challenged by the heavy criticisms to improve at each stage of the outings: note that they never attacked their critics as that could have distracted them but used the criticisms to build their self confidence, learn from mistakes and forged ahead for. Victory - focus on the target. Those who rule thIs country need to humble themselves and learn these great lessons for so far their negative attitudes towards critics have taken this country backward. Once again congrats Nigeria. God bless Nigeria.
Congratulations to the Super Eagles
Submitted by OC (not verified) on February 11, 2013 - 04:56.
Against seeming odds, the Super Eagles of Nigeria changed gear (from the previous lacklustre performances) and upped their game to win the competition. Kudos and congratulations to coach Keshi and the boys. Even though I doubted his pedigree (record), credentials and expeience, he deserves his moment of glory. I hope he builds on this success.
I also hope he does not now believe that he is a finished article, as he should realise that pride goes before a fall. As the leader, he must reconcile with talents like Odewinge, Martins, Sola Amoebi and co, and aim for an INCLUSIVE regime.
re : " Time for SE/SS to take over all naija affairs..."
Submitted by Wähala (not verified) on February 11, 2013 - 01:16.
Time for you to see a Shreik! By your captions, I've always neglected your goofy stupidity. Name one country World-wide where only one region rules! Make yourself useful, rePublish my comment here on SR when Stv. Keshi first released his list of players! Even Keshi admits he can learn things from a foreign coach, so, what's your pork? Listen Crackhead, this will be the last time you'll rub-off on my iconic image on Sacred SaharaReporters. If I were to trade words with a chump like you, trust me, SR will abolish the Comment Section of their "excellent" work. Your cousin @ Deri has been incorrigible thus far, I don't need another Aborigine ogogoro head to brainwash. Nkwerre is not Ikwerre! We consider you drunks our Brass Region and nothing more, forget that your wedding plans, Igbo means Core Ibo! Not Osus and Ogbanjes of Aborigne enclaves. You're khaki ...not leather! Today, you're Forgiven. We're All Champions. Pour yourself a greedy shot. Drunkards!
Super Eagles : RESPECT !!!
Submitted by Wähala (not verified) on February 10, 2013 - 23:15.
Congratulations to the Super Eagles. Keshi is 'Kaizer' for winning the cup as player and coach, but I believe Egypt's late Al Ghora was the first iconic man to make it. Again, this win makes a strong case for the "meritocracy" Rudolf Og. Okonwko preaches about daily. Proves also that Home based players are as good as their foreign counterparts. In all, a very good outing. Can't wait to confront nay-saying Ghanians tomorrow. @ Olusegun Olaleye, @ Deri and other local Thomases : Never doubt the resilience of the Ibo man. Big Fools. You're All Forgiven. For now, we're all Champions!
@ Steven 'Kaizer' Keshi : RESPECT !!!
shut up critics
Submitted by ibrahim (not verified) on February 10, 2013 - 21:52.
Critics of alleged Keshi's Biafrian-lead team should be in their graves by now ... yes , true or false ??
Worthy Victors
Submitted by Victor (not verified) on February 10, 2013 - 21:43.
In all fairness, Nigeria's Super Eagles' victory over the stallions of Burkina Faso was well deserved... The team worked hard and improved with every game... The are indeed the best... Well done Super Eagles, Congratulations Nigeria!
Time for SE/SS to take over all naija affairs...
Submitted by Oleku (not verified) on February 10, 2013 - 21:41.
...If only Hausa-fulanis and Yorubas will step aside from government, politics and sports naija would have been a better place. Naija would have been a better place if SE/SS citizens were the one running the country from all angles. Any time naijas go to any competition without citizens of Arewa and Oduduwa it has always been victory. We all saw how formidable the '94 squad was. The problem with naijas is they always shy away from the truth ad this has been the sole reason her present sorry state. They tell you GEJ is ogogoro drinker, incompetence and a moron. But one thing they will never is the performance recorded thus far by this present administration to the previous ones.
Congratulations to Keshi's and his team. Congratulations to super 'Biafra' eagles. Shame to louds mouths @wahala and all other idiots for looking down on these boys and for calling for Keshi's replacement with a foreign coach. Animals!
Congratulatons -
Submitted by LoyoBoy (not verified) on February 10, 2013 - 21:39.
Now faith is the evidence of things hoped for the assurance of unseen realities. No one believed in them, no one gave them a chance. But they had faith in themselves. It really true he who laughs last, laughs any how. Who is laughing now. Congratulations boys for bringing so much joy to so many even if it's temporary. It is still worth celebrating.
Is it Biafran / South East Win or Nigerian Win
Submitted by Clay (not verified) on February 10, 2013 - 21:35.
When Stephen Keshi released the team list, there was a lot of sentiments towards tribe and region. Some stupid never-do-well, tribal bigots and Igbo haters dubbed this team Igbo team, Biafran team, South East and South South team and not Nigerian team. Their myopic and hate filled eyes did not allow them to see it as Nigerian. What do they have to say now. Just like Ebue of Ivory Coast they will eat their words. Shame to them. In this country everything is read along ethnic, religious and north/south dichotomy. Merit is sacrificed on the alter of federal character. This cup is for Nigerians and not for Igbos or Biafrans or South East/South South. The whole nation is celebrating. This country will be fixed properly when the South Easterners are allowed to take charge. And it shall come to pass.
Mba said, 'N0! N0!!!!!'
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on February 10, 2013 - 21:29.
Mba said, 'N0! N0!!!!! mbanuuuu......at least, something has to be done right in Nigeria!' Congratulations to this team. I will say I criticized them at the beginning of the tournament so did many others.It is good that constructive criticism paved the way to a 19-year glory....#proudly green-white-green
CONGRATULATION TO
Submitted by Stanley (not verified) on February 10, 2013 - 21:22.
CONGRATULATION TO NIGERIANS
But at the end of your race here on earth, will you be congratulated by HEAVEN or greeted by HELL
1Co 9:24 Know you not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that you may obtain.
The only WAY to obtain the price of HEAVEN is Jesus Christ!
Have you made Him your LORD?
NOT THE FIRST?
Submitted by THE KING (not verified) on February 10, 2013 - 21:15.
Stephen Keshi is not the first person to win the AFCON as a player and coach, that honour goes to Egyptian former coach Mohammed El Gohari... Anyway, a big congratulations to Stephen Keshi and the boys...
