Grant, who has spent just over two years in charge of the Ghana national side, saw his team’s hopes of winning the competition ended by Cameroon in Thursday’s semi-final
Browsing: Stallions of Burkina Faso
Avram Grant could be taking charge of Ghana for the last time when they play Burkina Faso in the Africa Cup of Nations third-place play-off in Port-Gentil, Gabon on Saturday
But by claiming their third title, Nigeria (30th, up 22) have not only ended a 19-year drought since they last won the tournament, but have also climbed 22 places to 30th – their best ranking since August 2010 – while beaten finalists, Burkina Faso (55th, up 37), have moved up a massive 37 places to 55th. Hosts South Africa (60th, up 25) have also enjoyed a significant leap of 25 places
Nigeria’s Super Eagles defeated fellow West Africans, the Stallions of Burkina Faso, 1-0 in the keenly contested final on Sunday, to clinch their third African Cup of Nations title following previous victories in 1980 and 1994
Jonathan, in a statement by presidential spokesman, Dr. Reuben Abati, thanked Coach Stephen Keshi and all members of the team who worked very hard and played with great focus, dedication, artistry and patriotism to make Nigeria the proud champions of Africa once again after 19 years of setbacks in the competition
Home boy and Warri Wolves striker, Sunday Mba, scored the only goal that separated the two sides
However, Moses’s co attacker, Emmanuel Emenike, will not start the game later this evening
Nigeria is seeking her third title while Burkina Faso could grab her first honour at Africa’s apex soccer fiesta