What Is 2013 Africa Cup of Nations final

Overview

The 2013 Africa Cup of Nations final marked a historic moment in African football, culminating in Nigeria's third continental title. Held on February 10, 2013, at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa, the match featured Nigeria and Burkina Faso, with the Super Eagles emerging victorious 1–0.

Nigeria's journey to the final included strong performances against top teams, while Burkina Faso surprised many by reaching their first-ever final. The final was notable for its tactical discipline and the decisive strike by Sunday Mba, which secured Nigeria's place in AFCON history.

• Nigeria defeated Burkina Faso 1–0 in the final, marking their third AFCON title after previous wins in 1980 and 1994.
• The match was played at FNB Stadium, also known as Soccer City, with a seating capacity of 94,700 spectators.
• Sunday Mba scored in the 40th minute, capitalizing on a well-timed run and finish to secure the only goal of the game.
• Burkina Faso, led by coach Paul Put, reached their first final after finishing top of Group C and defeating Togo in the semifinals.
• Nigeria's victory made them the first team to win the AFCON title three times under different tournament formats and eras.

Match Details and Key Moments

The final showcased tactical discipline from both sides, with Nigeria controlling key phases of the game. Despite Burkina Faso's strong defensive organization, Nigeria’s attacking pressure eventually broke through in the first half.

• First-half goal by Sunday Mba in the 40th minute proved decisive, following a swift counterattack initiated by Victor Moses.
• Burkina Faso’s Aristide Bancé missed a clear chance in the 68th minute, hitting the post with Nigeria’s goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama beaten.
• Nigeria’s defense held firm under late pressure, with defenders like Joseph Yobo and Efe Ambrose making crucial interventions.
• Referee Janny Sikazwe from Zambia officiated the match, issuing three yellow cards but no red cards during regulation time.
• Substitutions played a key role, with Burkina Faso introducing Jonathan Pitroipa and Nigeria bringing on Uchebo for added stability.
• The attendance was 85,000, one of the highest for an AFCON final, reflecting the event’s growing popularity across the continent.

Comparison at a Glance

The table below compares key performance metrics between Nigeria and Burkina Faso in the 2013 AFCON final:

Despite Burkina Faso holding slightly more possession, Nigeria was more efficient in attack and capitalized on their opportunities. The data reflects Nigeria’s clinical edge in high-pressure moments, a hallmark of championship-winning teams.

Why It Matters

The 2013 final had lasting implications for African football, highlighting the continent’s competitive depth and rising tactical standards. Nigeria’s victory reinforced their status as a dominant force, while Burkina Faso’s breakthrough signaled emerging strength from smaller footballing nations.

• Nigeria’s win elevated their global FIFA ranking, boosting their confidence ahead of the 2014 World Cup qualifiers.
• Burkina Faso’s performance inspired youth development programs in the country, increasing investment in grassroots football.
• The match was broadcast in over 150 countries, increasing the AFCON’s international visibility and commercial appeal.
• Sunday Mba became a national hero, earning endorsements and a call-up to Nigeria’s World Cup squad.
• The tournament generated $42 million in revenue for host nation South Africa, boosting local economies.
• Security and logistics were praised, setting a benchmark for future AFCON tournaments hosted across Africa.

The 2013 Africa Cup of Nations final remains a landmark event in African sports history, symbolizing both tradition and progress in the continent’s premier football competition.