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Sunday
Mba is all smiles after breaking the deadlock in the African Nations Cup final
(AP)
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Mba's superb first-half volley secured
a third title for Nigeria, their first since 1994. The Super Eagles dominated
the game as Burkina Faso struggled to impose themselves in their first ever
final in the history of the tournament.
Wilfried Sanou came close to levelling
for the Stallions midway through the second half but his powerful shot was
saved brilliantly by Nigeria goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama.
Mba, who plays for Nigeria Premier
League side Warri Wolves, said he hopes the result will help to boost his career
in the aftermath of the tournament.
He told British Eurosport: "I'm so
happy it is a dream come true. I don't know what to say. We really worked hard
and we were looking forward to this day and I'm so happy for this.
"It will go a long way towards my
career. This is my first time and I'm very happy. We gave all that we had.''
It was Nigeria's first final since 2000
but they were hot favourites ahead of the match against the minnows from west
Africa due to their 12-game unbeaten record.
Their win means coach Stephen Keshi
becomes only the second man to win the Cup as coach and player, following in
the footsteps of Egyptian Mahmoud Al Gohari.
Source: ESPN.com
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