THE bravery of Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi in selecting a young, hungry, unfancied squad that went on to win the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations will be the standout feature of the tournament.
It was one of Keshi's previous unknowns, Warri Wolves playmaker Sunday Mba, who again produced the goods for the coach with his winning goal in the 1-0 victory against Burkina Faso in Sunday night's final at the National Stadium.
Mba previously scored a spectacular winner in the 2-1 quarterfinal win against favourites Ivory Coast.
In a tournament where standout performances from individual players were rare, Keshi notched up two personal milestones. He became the first Nigerian to coach a team to the Afcon title, and the second person to do it as a player and a coach.
The captain of the star-studded Super Eagles who won the 1994 Afcon, said it has been his aim as coach to restore Nigeria to their rightful place in African football.
"Winning this tournament is mainly for my nation," the coach said. "When I came on board a year-and-a-half ago my dream was to make Nigerians happy. And make them know they're going to have a very good team. And it's coming - we're not there yet," he said.
"I dedicate this (Afcon title) to all Nigerian coaches who have been praying for me and this team. I hope some other African coaches will get to this position and make their nation proud."
The Super Eagles will represent Africa at the Confederations Cup for continental champions in Brazil in June, a precursor to the 2014 World Cup.
Burkina Faso put up a brave performance and pushed for an equaliser in the second half. Coach Paul Put said the Stallions should be proud of their performance in the final, and the competition.
"Maybe in the first 45 minutes we showed too much respect to Nigeria," Put said. "In the second half we tried to do everything possible."
Keshi's young guns a huge hit
THE bravery of Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi in selecting a young, hungry, unfancied squad that went on to win the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations will be the standout feature of the tournament.
It was one of Keshi's previous unknowns, Warri Wolves playmaker Sunday Mba, who again produced the goods for the coach with his winning goal in the 1-0 victory against Burkina Faso in Sunday night's final at the National Stadium.
Mba previously scored a spectacular winner in the 2-1 quarterfinal win against favourites Ivory Coast.
In a tournament where standout performances from individual players were rare, Keshi notched up two personal milestones. He became the first Nigerian to coach a team to the Afcon title, and the second person to do it as a player and a coach.
The captain of the star-studded Super Eagles who won the 1994 Afcon, said it has been his aim as coach to restore Nigeria to their rightful place in African football.
"Winning this tournament is mainly for my nation," the coach said. "When I came on board a year-and-a-half ago my dream was to make Nigerians happy. And make them know they're going to have a very good team. And it's coming - we're not there yet," he said.
"I dedicate this (Afcon title) to all Nigerian coaches who have been praying for me and this team. I hope some other African coaches will get to this position and make their nation proud."
The Super Eagles will represent Africa at the Confederations Cup for continental champions in Brazil in June, a precursor to the 2014 World Cup.
Burkina Faso put up a brave performance and pushed for an equaliser in the second half. Coach Paul Put said the Stallions should be proud of their performance in the final, and the competition.
"Maybe in the first 45 minutes we showed too much respect to Nigeria," Put said. "In the second half we tried to do everything possible."
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