10 Lessons From Nigeria’s Victory At AFCON 2013 By Malcolm Fabiyi

The applause has died off. The 2013 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) Nigeria team have played themselves into the annals of history. However, there are timeless lessons to be gleaned from the performance and attitudes of the Super Eagles coach and players. Here are ten of the most pertinent lessons.

1.    Stand your ground. When Keshi submitted his list of players, he was roundly lampooned for the list of players he came up with. The big name, perennial stalwarts were absent. Six of the players he selected played in the lackluster local league.  Keshi and his team were written off even before the games began. It is easier to swim in the direction in which a stream flows – but sometimes, true progress can only come by taking a stand that goes against the common grain. Stand your ground, when you believe your reasoning is sound, and your cause is right.

Warri Wolves and Enugu Rangers In Serious Battle over the ownership of Sunday Mba.

Following his impressive display at the recently concluded 2013 African Cup of Nations, AFCON, two Nigerian clubs Warri Wolves and Enugu Rangers are in battle over the ownership of Sunday Mba.

While Mba played for the Super Eagles at the 2013 AFCON in South Africa, the midfielder was referred to as a Warri Wolves player by the commentators and other media personalities profiling the player. But after the AFCON victory and a performance that could earn him a club abroad, Rangers have declared that Sunday Mba is their bonafide player contrary to the claims by Warri Wolves, where he last played.

‘Super-Chicken’ Insult Won Us The AFCON Trophy – Keshi

If there’s any group of people a lot Nigerians envy now, it’s the Super Eagles. They’ve been rewarded handsomely for their impressive feat at the 2013 African Cup of Nations, AFCON, and bringing home the trophy. The Super Eagles has however revealed that the team thrived on criticisms and the criticisms motivated them to success.

The Super Eagles were unimpressive in their first two games and were ridiculed by many referring to them as “Super Chicken” while tweets from an account believed to belong to Ivorian defender, Emmanuel Eboue referred to them as “Super Fried Chicken”.

AFCON fallout: Chelsea drop Moses

English club Chelsea have dropped their Nigeria international Victor Moses from the squad to face Sparta Prague in their Europa League tie on Thursday. The Nigeria international had been quickly recalled for the trip to the Czech Republic which forced him to travel back to England from South Africa instead of heading to Abuja with his teammates.

But Chelsea manager Rafael Benitez has carefully avoided making the same mistake as Celtic manager, Neil Lennon, who played Efe Ambrose against Juventus two days after the Africa Cup of Nations final match against Burkina Faso in South Africa. Ambrose, who only arrived in Glasgow on match day, turned out a huge deficit to Celtic despite his sterling performance for Nigeria in South Africa. Lennon would admit on Wednesday that he took “a gamble” by fielding Ambrose.

D’banj Thrills Fans At AFCON Finals

Muthoni, the Drummer Queen and Nigerian Kokomaster, D’Banj, were on stage with other African musicians at the closing ceremony of the Africa Cup of Nations tourney in Johannesburg, South Africa, yesterday. Both musicians were among the performers who paved the way for the match between finalists: Nigeria and Burkina Faso.

“I Owe Nigerians The AFCON trophy” – Enyeama

Vincent Enyeama has expressed his belief that he owes Nigeria Africa Cup of Nations success having been involved in the nation’s set-up since 2002

The Super Eagles defeated Mali 4-1 in their semi-final this week to initiate a final against Burkina Faso, and Enyeama said that reaching the Africa Cup of Nations final is one of his greatest achievements.

“I think it is high time that I get to lift the trophy,” Enyeama told Goal.com. “We are all determined to win. Every player is ready and I think it will take a team effort for us to win this cup.”

D'banj to perform live at the closing ceremony of AFCON 2013

D'banj will perform live at the closing ceremony of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations which will hold this Sunday February 10th. He will perform two songs; Oliver Twist and Top of the World. His brother K-Switch and DB records artist, J Sol will join him on stage. Of course other South African artists will also perform at the closing ceremony. Good stuff!

‘Ifreke Inyang – 'Nigeria can win the AFCON' – 6 things we learnt from today’s victory over Cote d’I

Nigeria can win the AFCON

Let me catch my breath. Was that the Super Eagles of Nigeria against the Elephants? Did we utterly dominate the quarter-final clash or what? Every single player was up for the game. Less fancied names like Onazi Ogenyi, Sunday Mba, etc stood up tall and strong against true football superstars like Yaya Toure and Didier Drogba. Save for that little blip defensively, that led to Tiote levelling scores, the Eagles were almost perfect. Long may it continue. And who knows? With this kind of form, we fear no foe!

Afcon: Nigeria shock Cote d’Ivoire, qualfy for semis

The Super Eagles of Nigeria this evening defeated the Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire 2 -1 to qualify for semi finals in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations holding in South Africa. How do you see the performance of Eagles against Cote d’Ivoire? Any improvement? Do you see the team going all the way to the finals?

AFCON 2013: 'Moses Begged Me To Allow Him Play Penalties, I Will Play Spot-Kicks In Future' – Mikel

John Mikel Obi has revealed that he was set to take the two penalty kicks, in the Super Eagles last Group C game against Ethiopia, but his Chelsea team mate Victor Moses, pleaded to allow him take them.  Obi had missed from the spot in the second game against Zambia, but Moses converted the two kicks to give Nigeria a much needed victory.

The midfielder however said he will not run away from taking spot-kicks in future.

VIDEO: Watch The Opening Ceremony Of AFCON 2013!

Just in case you missed the opening ceremony of the 2013 African Cup of Nations holding in South Africa, you have the chance to relive it! The competition kicked off yesterday with 16 countries participating and over 6 billion TV viewers worldwide watching! Jump to 4:00 where the real actions starts (just in case you’re not the type for intros).

 CLICK HERE TO WATCH THIS VIDEO

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THIS VIDEO

AFCON 2013 Opening Ceremony Highlight - 19.01.2013

AfCON 2013: Globacom Charges Eagles On Group Stage Matches

Second National Operator, Globacom Nigeria Limited, has called on the Super Eagles to make Nigerians happy by putting up a superlative performance during the forthcoming Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa. In a press statement issued in Lagos on Monday, Globacom advised the Eagles to tackle every match from the group stage with determination and zeal to win, adding that this will guide them progressively to the final stages of the competition.

AFCON list: Don’t expect miracles from Eagles – Taribo

Former Super Eagles players have expressed different opinions on the national team’s 23-man list released by coach Stephen Keshi on Wednesday for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations scheduled to begin on January 19. Nigeria-Ghana 2000 Eagles defender, Taribo West, believes Keshi picked the best players at his disposal but has his reservation on the inclusion of Italy-based midfielder, Obiora Nwankwo.