Twelve years ago, on February 10, 2013, the Super Eagles, etched their name into football history once again by lifting the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy after defeating Burkina Faso 1-0 in the final at Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg.
Sunday Mba scored the only goal of the game to give Nigeria her third title, one won with grit and determination under the guidance of the late Stephen Keshi.
The Super Eagles came close to replicating that feat but fell short in the final of the last edition, losing 2-1 to hosts Ivory Coast in the final.
As Nigeria gears up for another challenge, the AFCON 2025 in Morocco with aspirations of winning a fourth title, it is imperative to extract key takeaways from the 2013 triumph. Here are five that the three-time champions would do well to heed as December looms on the horizon.
The power of unity
One of the standout features of the 2013 team was their bond and unity.
Stephen Keshi, then coach, was the key figure in this unexpected triumph with how he treated both home-based players and the foreign-based players. He fostered an environment where every player felt valued and committed to the collective goal.
This sense of brotherhood transcended individual egos and ensured everyone pulled in the same direction.
For Nigeria to succeed in Morocco 2025, fostering this spirit of unity will be crucial. Eric Chelle, irrespective of who is in the squad, has to make sure the squad is united and focused, which was key with Keshi in 2013.
Super Eagles must embrace and utilising local talent
Unlike previous years, the squad for the 2013 AFCON had more home-based players than any other edition since 1990.
The likes of Sunday Mba, Ejike Uzoenyi, Godfrey Oboabona, Gabriel Reuben, Azubuike Egwuekwe and Chigozie Agbim, all from the Nigeria Premier Football League, were in the squad. These athletes proved that local talent could shine on the biggest stage if given the opportunity.
Their performances, especially Sunday Mba's, highlighted the importance of nurturing homegrown talent alongside scouting abroad.
As Nigeria prepares for AFCON 2025, there must be a conscious effort to integrate more players from the NPFL (Nigerian Premier Football League) who have shown promise and can do the business.
Discipline under a strict coach
Stephen Keshi’s leadership style has been described as both authoritarian and inspirational.
His strict discipline instilled focus and resilience in the team, qualities that helped them navigate tough matches during the tournament. From early training sessions to tactical drills, Keshi left no stone unturned in preparing his side mentally and physically.
While modern coaching methods may differ slightly, discipline remains essential. A disciplined team can overcome adversity and maintain consistency throughout a gruelling competition like AFCON.
Eric Chelle will have to wield the big stick in a conscious manner that can foster discipline as the team set their sights on a fourth AFCON title.
Versatility breeds strength
The 2013 squad featured several versatile players capable of adapting to different roles depending on the match situation. Players like John Mikel Obi, Kenneth Omeruo and Ogenyi Onazi filled in multiple roles when the need arose.
For tournaments, a lot can happen, and a coach needs to be ready for it from a player perspective.
Chelle must have in his squad, players that are versatile to help with tactical fluidity and shore up any vulnerabilities.
As Nigeria builds toward AFCON 2025, identifying and developing multi-functional players should be a priority to help solve issues when they arise during the tournament.
Clinical finishing and defensive solidarity
Despite having brilliant forwards like Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Victor Boniface, finishing has been the bane of the Super Eagles, especially in the ongoing FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Two defining characteristics of the 2013 team were their ability to convert chances and their rock-solid defence.
Against Burkina Faso, Sunday Mba’s clinical finish sealed the title in a very tactical final that had limited opportunities.
On the flip side, the back-line led by Omeruo, Oboabona and Echiejile remained steadfast, conceding just four goals throughout the tournament—a testament to their defensive prowess.
For this success to happen in Morocco 2025, the Super Eagles need to work on their sharpness and be more efficient in front of goal.
