The atmosphere was already charged and you could feel the excitement in the viewing centre, Nigeria would be playing her first African Nations Cup Final in 13 years. No doubt we all looked forward to this final against Burkina Fasso – a team we drew with in the first match of this edition of AFCON. The team has grown from strength to strength and as Nigerians, we were hoping for our third Nations cup triumph in 19 years.
Looking back to 19 years ago when we were last champions; the team that had the likes of Rashidi Yekini , Daniel Amokachi and Samson Siasia leading our formidable attack, a midfield with the dexterity of a Sunday Oliseh who could readily provide assists with his long-range accuracy the level-headedness of “the headmaster “, Mutiu Adepoju. Our defence in 1994 was comprised of the partnership of Uche Okechukwu and Chidi Nwanu and the marauding Ben Iroha playing at Left back with goalkeeper Peter Rufai making an appearance in an African Nations cup tournament since his exploits in Morocco in 1988.
I picked a viewing centre to watch the final close to my house, it had been opened since10 and was reliably informed that some people had even got there before 7am. At the viewing centre, there was an assortment of veterans who witnessed Nigeria’s first title and youngsters who will be seeing the Super Eagles compete for their third title in seven final appearances.
Kick-off time was barely 45 minutes and the closing ceremony headlined by Nigerian singer D’banj performing amongst other notable African artistes. The atmosphere was becoming more electric with each passing minute; and as the teams stepped out from the dressing room greeted by a thunderous roar, it dawned on me that history could be made tonight.
History was here to be made and as a Nigerian, after suffering near misses in the recent past at semi-finals and finals, I prayed it was finally the turn of the Super Eagles to soar and claim the title for the third time.