Super Eagles Reach First Final Since 2000, Beat Mali 4-1

Nigeria's Super Eagles have qualified for their seventh African Cup of Nations after an impressive display in beating Mali 4-1 on Wednesday at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban.

After taking a 3-0 cushion into the half time courtesy of Elderson Echiejile, Brown Ideye and Emmanuel Emenike. Nigeria added a fourth goal through substitute Musa Ahmed.

Cheick Diarra made the score line a bit respectable for the Malians after finding a goal in the dying minutes of the match.

This will be the Super Eagles first final appearance since losing to the Indomitable Lions on home soil in 2000, when Nigeria co-hosted the tournament with Ghana.

The result has truly vindicated Stephen Keshi’s decision to exclude many of the established names like Osaze Odemwingie and Obafemi Martins from the Super Eagles while placing his faith in six home-based players.

The Eagles will now meet the winner of the second semi-final, Burkina Faso in Sunday’s final.