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The 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) was a defining moment in Nigerian football history. After a 19-year drought, the Nigerian national team, famously known as the Super Eagles clinched their third AFCON title. Under the leadership of coach Stephen Keshi, Nigeria triumphed over Burkina Faso in the final, etching their names into African football history. This article explores the AFCON 2013 Nigeria squad, highlighting the players, key matches, and how they got to glory.
Nigeria Squad for AFCON 2013
The Nigeria squad for AFCON 2013 was a blend of experienced veterans and emerging talents. Coach Stephen Keshi’s selection was strategic, focusing on balance, skill, and teamwork. Below is the AFCON 2013 Nigeria squad players list:
Goalkeepers
- Vincent Enyeama: Serving as the first-choice goalkeeper, Enyeama’s experience and leadership were invaluable. At the time, he was affiliated with Maccabi Tel Aviv.
- Austin Ejide: The reliable backup, Ejide brought depth to the squad from his position at Hapoel Be’er Sheba.
- Chigozie Agbim: Representing Enugu Rangers, Agbim was among the six home-based players, highlighting Keshi’s commitment to domestic talent.
Defenders
- Joseph Yobo: The team’s captain and central defender, Yobo’s leadership was instrumental. He was then playing for Fenerbahce.
- Efe Ambrose: A versatile defender from Celtic FC, Ambrose’s adaptability was a significant asset.
- Elderson Echiejile: Operating as a left-back, Echiejile’s defensive prowess was honed at FC Braga.
- Juwon Oshaniwa: Another competent left-back, Oshaniwa brought his skills from Ashdod FC.
- Kenneth Omeruo: The young and promising center-back, Omeruo, made his mark while on loan at ADO Den Haag.
- Azubuike Egwuekwe: A towering presence in defense, Egwuekwe was a key player for Warri Wolves.
- Godfrey Oboabona: Representing Sunshine Stars, Oboabona’s defensive solidity was commendable.
Midfielders
- John Mikel Obi: The midfield maestro from Chelsea FC, Mikel’s vision and control were pivotal.
- Ogenyi Onazi: A dynamic midfielder, Onazi’s energy was evident from his performances with SS Lazio.
- Nosa Igiebor: Bringing creativity to the midfield, Igiebor was then with Real Betis.
- Fegor Ogude: A defensive midfielder known for his tenacity, Ogude played for Valerenga FC.
- Obiorah Nwankwo: A young talent from Calcio Padova, Nwankwo added depth to the midfield lineup.
- Reuben Gabriel: Representing Kano Pillars, Gabriel was among the home-based players who made significant contributions.
Forwards
- Victor Moses: The winger from Chelsea FC, Moses’ flair and goal-scoring ability were crucial.
- Ahmed Musa: Known for his blistering pace, Musa was a forward for CSKA Moscow.
- Emmanuel Emenike: A powerful striker, Emenike’s goals were vital to Nigeria’s success. He was then with Spartak Moscow.
- Ikechukwu Uche: Bringing experience to the attack, Uche played for Villarreal FC.
- Brown Ideye: A forward known for his work rate, Ideye was with Dynamo Kyiv.
- Ejike Uzoenyi: Representing Enugu Rangers, Uzoenyi was another home-based player who showcased immense talent.
- Sunday Mba: A midfielder with an eye for goal, Mba’s contributions from Enugu Rangers were memorable.
This diverse assembly of players, blending domestic league standouts with international stars, showed Nigeria’s rich football talent pool.
How Nigeria Clinched Victory in AFCON 2013
The Super Eagles’ journey in that tournament was not without resilience and strategic prowess:
Final Match: In a rematch against Burkina Faso, Nigeria clinched the title with a 1-0 victory, courtesy of a goal by Sunday Mba.
Group Stage: Nigeria commenced with a 1-1 draw against Burkina Faso, followed by another 1-1 stalemate with Zambia. They secured their quarter-final spot with a decisive 2-0 victory over Ethiopia.
Quarter-Finals: Facing the formidable Ivory Coast, Nigeria emerged victorious with a 2-1 win, showcasing tactical brilliance.
Semi-Finals: A dominant 4-1 triumph over Mali propelled the Super Eagles into the final.
AFCON 2013 Nigeria squad numbers
The Nigeria national football team, under coach Stephen Keshi, announced their 23-man squad for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) held in South Africa. The squad featured a mix of experienced players and newcomers, with 19 players making their AFCON debut.
Here is the list of players along with their squad numbers and positions:
| Number | Player | Position |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vincent Enyeama | Goalkeeper |
| 2 | Joseph Yobo | Defender |
| 3 | Elderson Echiejile | Defender |
| 4 | Nwankwo Obiorah | Midfielder |
| 5 | Efe Ambrose | Defender |
| 6 | Azubuike Egwuekwe | Defender |
| 7 | Ahmed Musa | Forward |
| 8 | Brown Ideye | Forward |
| 9 | Emmanuel Emenike | Forward |
| 10 | John Mikel Obi | Midfielder |
| 11 | Victor Moses | Midfielder |
| 12 | Reuben Gabriel | Midfielder |
| 13 | Fegor Ogude | Midfielder |
| 14 | Godfrey Oboabona | Defender |
| 15 | Ikechukwu Uche | Forward |
| 16 | Austin Ejide | Goalkeeper |
| 17 | Ogenyi Onazi | Midfielder |
| 18 | Ejike Uzoenyi | Forward |
| 19 | Sunday Mba | Midfielder |
| 20 | Nosa Igiebor | Midfielder |
| 21 | Juwon Oshaniwa | Defender |
| 22 | Kenneth Omeruo | Defender |
| 23 | Chigozie Agbim | Goalkeeper |
This squad went on to win the tournament, securing Nigeria’s third AFCON title.
Super Eagles Road to Victory
Group Stage: Nigeria vs Burkina Faso 2013
In the group stage, Nigeria was placed alongside Zambia, Ethiopia, and Burkina Faso. The opening match against Burkina Faso ended in a 1-1 draw, with Emmanuel Emenike scoring for Nigeria before Burkina Faso equalized late in the game. This match set the tone for the Super Eagles’ resilience.
Knockout Stages
- Quarter-Final: AFCON 2013 Nigeria vs Ivory Coast – In one of the tournament’s most intense clashes, Nigeria defeated favorites Ivory Coast 2-1, thanks to goals from Emmanuel Emenike and Sunday Mba.
- Semi-Final: AFCON 2013 Semi Final – Nigeria outclassed Mali with a commanding 4-1 victory, with goals from Elderson Echiejile, Brown Ideye, Emmanuel Emenike, and Ahmed Musa.
The 2013 AFCON Final
The 2013 AFCON Final saw Nigeria face Burkina Faso once again. In a tense match, Sunday Mba scored the only goal, leading Nigeria to a 1-0 victory. This historic win crowned the Nigeria squad that won AFCON 2013 as champions.
Nigeria vs Burkina Faso 2013 Line Up
The Nigeria vs Burkina Faso 2013 line up in the final featured:
- Goalkeeper: Vincent Enyeama
- Defenders: Efe Ambrose, Elderson Echiejile, Kenneth Omeruo, Godfrey Oboabona
- Midfielders: John Obi Mikel, Ogenyi Onazi, Sunday Mba
- Forwards: Emmanuel Emenike, Victor Moses, Brown Ideye
This strategic lineup was instrumental in securing Nigeria’s third AFCON title.
Nigeria 2013 AFCON Winning Squad
The Nigeria 2013 AFCON winning squad was celebrated for its discipline, teamwork, and determination. Key players like Vincent Enyeama, John Obi Mikel, and Victor Moses were pivotal in the team’s success. The combination of local talents like Sunday Mba and international stars created a balanced and formidable squad.
AFCON 2013 Nigeria Squad Results
- Group Stage: Draw vs Burkina Faso (1-1), Draw vs Zambia (1-1), Win vs Ethiopia (2-0)
- Quarter-Final: Win vs Ivory Coast (2-1)
- Semi-Final: Win vs Mali (4-1)
- Final: Win vs Burkina Faso (1-0)
The Nigeria 2013 AFCON winning squad results reflected the team’s growth and resilience throughout the tournament.
Burkina Faso 2013 AFCON Squad
Nigeria’s final opponents, Burkina Faso, also had an impressive run in the tournament. Led by Jonathan Pitroipa and Alain Traoré, the Burkina Faso 2013 AFCON squad surprised many by reaching the final, showcasing grit and determination.
Coach Stephen Keshi became only the second person to win the AFCON as both player and coach. The victory also inspired a new generation of Nigerian footballers and cemented the legacy of the 2013 squad.
Nigeria Vs Burkina Faso Afcon 2013 Final Video Highlight
Wrap Up
Those are all the Super Eagles players in Nigeria AFCON 2013 Squad that won the 29th title on February 10 at Soccer City in Johannesburg, South Africa. And that also was when Nigeria last won the AFCON. Nigeria played in Group C alongside Zambia, Burkina Faso and Ethiopia and the late Stephen Keshi, who was the Super Eagles coach at the time, did a good job combining players from the Nigeria Premier League with the ones from foreign leagues to lift the AFCON title.
This article was updated 4 weeks ago