With a stable of new talent and an unsuccessful old guard cleared out, Nigeria have a chance to secure their biggest footballing success in nearly 20 years on Saturday evening. The Super Eagles have strung together two absolutely brilliant performances en route to the final of the Africa Cup of Nations, where they face a formidable opponent in Burkina Faso.
Nigeria vs. Burkina Faso, 2013 Africa Cup of Nations final: Super Eagles look to reclaim past glory
For the first time since 1994, the most populous country in Africa is in position to win the Africa Cup of Nations. Nigeria is up against a tough test in Burkina Faso, who have reached their first final ever.
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The Stallions have had the talent to make a run in the Africa Cup of Nations for all of this decade and a good chunk of the last one as well, but have failed to play up to their potential. They’ve made up for their previous disappointments by exceeding expectations, making the final of their continental championship in the first tournament in which they’ve progressed past the first round since 1998.
Both sides are dealing with injury concerns heading into the final. Victor Moses picked up a knock in Nigeria's last game, while Emmanuel Emenike is considered highly unlikely to play. Star forward Alain Traore has been ruled out for Burkina Faso, and right back Mohamed Koffi is no guarantee to start.
Match date/time: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, 7 p.m. local
Venue: KNB Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa
TV: British Eurosport (U.K.)
Online: ESPN3 (U.S.)
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