Africa Cup of Nations

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Africa Cup of Nations | Final

Feb 10, 2013 at 6pm UK

Nigeria
1-0
Ghana

Mba

Match Report

Football

Sunday Mba magic secures Nigeria's third AFCON title

By Liam Power, Reporter

Published: February 10 2013 | 20:22

Last updated: February 10 2013 | 20:51

Nigeria secure their first Africa Cup of Nations crown since 1994 with a 1-0 victory over Burkina Faso in the final, thanks to Sunday Mba's superb solo effort.

A fine individual effort from Sunday Mba has secured Nigeria their first Africa Cup of Nations crown since 1994 with a 1-0 win over Burkina Faso in Johannesburg.

Nigeria's Sunday Mba celebrates alongside teammates after scoring against Burkina Faso in the African Cup of Nations final on February 10, 2013 © AP Photos

Mba broke the deadlock five minutes before the break when he flicked the ball past two defenders before unleashing an unstoppable volley from just inside the penalty area.

Victor Moses and Brown Ideye nearly linked up to put the match beyond doubt early in the second half but Daouda Diakite's fine late save kept the match alive.

Burkina came agonisingly close to an equaliser with 15 minutes left, as Nigeria captain Vincent Enyeama made a superb low stop to divert Wilfried Sanou's drive past the far post.

Burkina Faso player Florent Rouamba challenges for the ball during the final of the African Cup of Nations on February 10, 2013 © AP Photos

Nigeria had chances to put the result beyond doubt in the closing stages but Moses spurned an opportunity just four yards from goal.

The Super Eagles held on to secure their third Nations Cup title and give Stephen Keshi the honour of becoming only the second man to win the tournament as a player and coach.