Stephen Keshi | GlobalPost

Football: Nigerian kings bask in title glory

Agence France-PresseFebruary 11, 2013 06:00

Nigeria ended a 19-year wait to be crowned kings of Africa after victory against Burkina Faso in the continent's premier football tournament, sending the Super Eagles to a showdown with the world champions. Sunday's 1-0 final triumph over outsiders Burkina Faso in South Africa saw the thousands gathered to watch the match on giant screens near the national stadium in Nigeria's second city Lagos erupt with joy and celebration in the country's press. "Kings of Africa" said The Punch newspaper on Monday, while The Nation called the win "Nigeria's magical hour".

Soccer-Keshi out to prove African coaches have what it takes

Thomson ReutersFebruary 7, 2013 23:45

By Mark Gleeson JOHANNESBURG, Feb 8 (Reuters) - Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi intends to prove a point about the prowess of African coaches when his side take on Burkina Faso in Sunday's African Nations Cup final. The former international defender could become only the second man to win the title as a coach and a player - he was captain when Nigeria last won the title in 1996.

Soccer-Burkina Faso chase place in first Nations Cup final

Thomson ReutersFebruary 5, 2013 23:15

By Mark Gleeson NELSPRUIT, South Africa, Feb 6 (Reuters) - Burkina Faso hope to break new ground and book a first African Nations Cup final appearance when they 'host' Ghana in Nelspruit on Wednesday. The west African country take on their southern neighbours at the Mbombela Stadium (1830 GMT), which they say has become something of a fortress for them after four undefeated matches in the provincial town.

Soccer-Nations Cup wide open as gulf in class decreases - Keshi

Thomson ReutersJanuary 24, 2013 08:15

By Mike Collett WHITE RIVER, South Africa, Jan 24 (Reuters) - The gap between the best and the rest of the teams at the African Nations Cup is narrowing which is why this year's tournament is wide open, Nigerian coach Stephen Keshi said on Thursday. Keshi, preparing his team for their second Group C match against defending champions Zambia in Nelspruit on Friday, said he had been impressed by all 16 teams who made it to South Africa, and that the days when minnows reached these finals only to lose heavily to bigger teams had gone.