Against all pre-tournament predictions, the Super Eagles of Nigeria will take on the Stallions of Burkina Faso in the final match of the Africa Cup of Nations.
Nigeria is seeking her third title while Burkina Faso could grab her first honour at Africa’s apex soccer fiesta.
Since their 1-1 draw on January 21, 2013 in a group stage match, both sides have grown in stature and will now contest the final of the 2013 edition of the Nations Cup with a chance to represent Africa in the FIFA Confederation Cup later this year in Brazil.
On the road to the final, Nigeria scored 10 goals and conceded four while Burkina Faso have scored seven and conceded two.
Both have improved but Burkina Faso will be missing in form striker Alain Traore, who equalised against Nigeria and scored three goals during the tournament before picking up an injury.
The good news for the Burkinabes is that star player, Jonathan Pitroipa, has had his red card from their last match against Ghana rescinded after the Confederation of African Football decided that his booking was a mistake.
The Nigerians also have injury concerns for two of their better players – Emmanuel Emenike, who has scored four goals, and the chief instigator against Mali, Victor Moses, who has added two strikes.
Burkina Faso will also have to make changes to their line-up, with right-back, Koffi, a major doubt.
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