Nigeria are through to the final of the Orange Africa Cup of Nations, South Africa 2013 after cruising to a 4-1 semi final victory against Mali on Wednesday at the Moses Mabhida stadium.

First half goals from Elderson Echiejile, Brown Ideye, Emmanuel Emenike and a second half Ahmed Musagoal paved Nigeria’s passage to the finals despite Cheick Diarra‘s consolatory goal on 75 minutes.
In a match that was described as the clash of Eagles, Mali proved a threat on set pieces in the first quarter of the game but never made the most of their chances.
It was no turning back for Nigeria when they got their foot on the ball as the got the opening goal on 25minutes when Victor Moses’ inch perfect caught the Malian defence ball watching as  Echiejile Elderson headed home past Mamadou Samassa.
The goal gave Nigeria the ascendancy and they extended their lead five minutes later when Victor Mosesreleased Emmanuel Emenike on the right as the Nigeria stiker crossed into the box for Brown Ideye to beat the Malian goalkeeper.
The Super Eagles wrapped up the game before the break when an Emmanuel Emenike freekick at the edge of the Malian box was deflected into the net by Momo Sissoko for Nigeria’s third.
Head coach Stephen Keshi was forced into bringing in Ahmed Musa for Victor Moses who picked up a slight ankle injury.
That proved to be an inspired substituition as the CSKA Moscow striker got on the score sheet on the hour mark to make it four for Nigeria.
Mali did get a consolation through Cheick Fanta Mady Diarra but it will be a match to completely forget for the Eagles who were completely outclassed by the Super Eagles.
Nigeria advance to the final on their Afcon return after missing out on the 2012 edition.
First half goals from Elderson Echiejile, Brown Ideye, Emmanuel Emenike and a second half Ahmed Musagoal paved Nigeria’s passage to the finals despite Cheick Diarra‘s consolatory goal on 75 minutes.
In a match that was described as the clash of Eagles, Mali proved a threat on set pieces in the first quarter of the game but never made the most of their chances.
It was no turning back for Nigeria when they got their foot on the ball as the got the opening goal on 25minutes when Victor Moses’ inch perfect caught the Malian defence ball watching as  Echiejile Elderson headed home past Mamadou Samassa.
The goal gave Nigeria the ascendancy and they extended their lead five minutes later when Victor Mosesreleased Emmanuel Emenike on the right as the Nigeria stiker crossed into the box for Brown Ideye to beat the Malian goalkeeper.
The Super Eagles wrapped up the game before the break when an Emmanuel Emenike freekick at the edge of the Malian box was deflected into the net by Momo Sissoko for Nigeria’s third.
Head coach Stephen Keshi was forced into bringing in Ahmed Musa for Victor Moses who picked up a slight ankle injury.
That proved to be an inspired substituition as the CSKA Moscow striker got on the score sheet on the hour mark to make it four for Nigeria.
Mali did get a consolation through Cheick Fanta Mady Diarra but it will be a match to completely forget for the Eagles who were completely outclassed by the Super Eagles.
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