Twelve years ago, on February 10, 2013, Nigeria’s Super Eagles lifted their third Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title, defeating Burkina Faso 1-0 in Johannesburg.
Under the late Stephen Keshi, a squad of home-based talents and Europe-based stars blended perfectly to achieve glory.
Here’s a look at the heroes from that night and where they are now.
Vincent Enyeama
The shot-stopper was a fortress throughout the tournament, keeping four clean sheets, including in the final. He earned a spot in the tournament's Best XI.
Enyeama retired from international football in 2015 with 101 caps, making him Nigeria’s most capped player until Ahmed Musa surpassed the record in 2021.
The 42-year-old now resides in Uyo and France, running his hotel business while mentoring his son, who plays as an U-18 goalkeeper for Lille.
Efe Ambrose
Ambrose was a consistent figure in Nigeria's defense during the tournament and he earned a spot in the tournament's Best XI. Post-AFCON, he enjoyed a lengthy career in Scotland with Celtic and Hibernian.
Now 36, Ambrose plays for Workington AFC in England’s NWCFL after leaving Bury FC.
Kenneth Omeruo
A rising star in 2013, Omeruo impressed with his solid defensive displays. He went on to have spells with Chelsea, Middlesbrough, and Leganés.
Now 31, he is a free agent after leaving Kasımpaşa in Turkey and remains a valuable option for the Super Eagles.
Elderson Echiejile
Echiejile missed the final due to injury but played a key role throughout the tournament. After stints in Portugal, France, and Turkey, the left-back has been without a club since 2020.
Now 36, Echiejile focuses on football development projects in Nigeria.
Joseph Yobo
The captain led by example, guiding Nigeria to glory. Yobo became the country’s most-capped player at the time with 100 appearances.
He retired in 2014 and was later opportuned to serve as an assistant coach for the Super Eagles in 2020.
The former Everton captain is now managing his football academy in the Niger Delta and works as a pundit.
John Mikel Obi
One of Africa's most decorated footballers, John Mikel Obi played a pivotal role in Nigeria's triumphant 2013 Africa Cup of Nations campaign in South Africa.
Since hanging up his boots, he has seamlessly transitioned into one of the most prominent voices in football podcasting, and has most notably caused uproar with his criticism of current players, such as Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson.
Ogenyi Onazi
Onazi’s tireless work in midfield was crucial during the knockout stages. After spells in Italy, Turkey, and Denmark, Onazi is currently a free agent at 32, having last played for Avezzano in Italy’s Serie D.
Victor Moses
Moses dazzled on the wings, contributing two goals and several assists. The former Crystal Palace youngster earned a spot in the tournament's Best XI.
He continued to shine at Chelsea and Inter Milan before moving to Spartak Moscow. Now 34, Moses plays for Luton Town in the English Championship.
Brown Ideye
Brown Ideye, now with Enyimba, was a key member of the Nigerian squad that won the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa.
He scored in the semi-final victory over Mali. After a 17-year absence from Nigerian football, the 36-year-old striker returned home, signing with Enyimba following a successful career in Europe and the Middle East with clubs like West Bromwich Albion, Dynamo Kyiv, and Olympiacos.
Ahmed Musa
Nigeria’s most capped footballer with 110 appearances, has been a consistent presence for the Super Eagles over the years. He featured in five of the team’s six matches during their victorious 2013 Africa Cup of Nations campaign in South Africa, scoring in the 4–1 semi-final win over Mali.
The 32-year-old has been part of four AFCON squads (2013, 2019, 2021, and 2023). Currently, Musa plies his trade in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) with Kano Pillars, following his stint in Turkey’s Süper Lig with Sivasspor.
Sunday Mba
Mba was the hero of the final, scoring the winning goal against Burkina Faso. Despite his heroics, Mba’s career didn’t reach expected heights. After short stints in France and Turkey, he’s been without a club since 2018.
Now 36, he lives a quiet life away from football.
Fegor Ogude
At the time of the 2013 AFCON, Warri-born Fegor Ogude was playing for Vålerenga in Norway. Shortly after the tournament, he made a move to Russia, where he spent five years with Amkar Perm and Yenisey Krasnoyarsk.
Following a period without a club in 2019, Ogude reportedly retired from professional football in 2020.
Emmanuel Emenike
Emenike played a pivotal role in Nigeria's victorious 2013 Africa Cup of Nations campaign in South Africa, finishing as the tournament’s joint top scorer with four goals.
His crucial strikes came against Burkina Faso, Zambia, Ivory Coast, and Mali, also earning him a spot in the Team of the Tournament.
Following his last appearance for the Super Eagles in 2015, Emenike stepped away from international duty. He eventually retired from professional football in November 2019, with Belgian side KVC Westerlo being his final club.
Ikechukwu Uche
Uche spent the majority of his football career in Spain, featuring for clubs like Villarreal, Zaragoza, Getafe, and Málaga. Despite scoring 19 goals for the Super Eagles, at the 2013 AFCON he was unable to find the net during his four appearances.
After concluding his career with Spanish Segunda side Gimnàstic, Uche retired from professional football in 2019. Now 41, he resides in Europe’s Iberian Peninsula.
Nosa Igiebor
Igiebor, who played most of his club games for Maccabi Tel Aviv, has been without a team since leaving Anorthosis in July 2019, according to Transfermarkt.
Juwon Oshaniwa
Oshaniwa’s top moment with the Super Eagles came during the 2013 AFCON final, where he made his sole appearance in the tournament. Coming on as a 66th-minute substitute for Echiéjilé, Oshaniwa helped Nigeria secure a 1-0 victory over Burkina Faso, sealing their third AFCON title.
Since 2019, the 34-year-old has remained without a club, marking an uncertain chapter in his football journey.
Stephen Keshi
Stephen Keshi, the mastermind behind the triumph, became only the second person to win the AFCON as both player and coach. His influence on Nigerian football remains unmatched.
Sadly, Keshi passed away in 2016, but his legacy lives on through the success of the 2013 squad and his contributions to African football.
