The 33rd edition of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) has already made its mark as far as entertainment is concerned and with at least two Match Days gone, the favorites are sticking out clearly.
While top nations have stepped up and lived to the billing, some have so far disappointed. Ghana for one, have not served the expectations of the fans and their star studded side has so far left the pitch disappointed twice. Algeria, the holders are at risk of failing to make it to the second round and we can’t wait for Match Day 3 action.
Nigeria on the other hand, have had this smooth sailing and a perfect start has the Super Eagles in the second round after the opening two rounds. Cameroon have also been impressive, with two wins in two and already, there are expectations and predictions of these two meeting in the final eventually.
The previews and predictions on SportyTrader have been good on these two giants of African football and rightly so, with eight titles between them. Heading to this competition, Nigeria wished for three things; a good start, winning the title and exerting revenge. A good start has been achieved and the remaining two could go on concurrently.
The big question would be, what is there to be revenged for? This has to go back to the year 2000, when a sharp spear was stuck deep in the hearts of every Nigerian fan. Nigeria. Hosting the AFCON in that year, they reached the final, where they faced off with Cameroon on February 13th.
With much optimism, and backed with a good run, Nigeria entered the final as favorites, backed by home fans and with an array of star players. The title was theirs for the taking and having just emerged from years of military rule, there wasn’t a better moment to crown it all. However, Cameroon had other ideas, taking a 2-0 lead, and going on to win on post match penalties after Nigeria fought back to equalize.
Nigeria suffered the loss courtesy of penalty misses from Nwankwo Kanu and Victor Ikpeba and while it was not the first time they lost in the final against Cameroon, this was the most painful as it was at home and on the back of a great run for Nigeria.
It is the reason a final pitting Nigeria and Cameroon is the dream for most on the African continent. For Nigeria it will be a chance to not only add to their three titles but also get revenge for the defeat inflicted on home soil 22 years ago.
Nigeria have also lost to Cameroon in the AFCON final in 1988 and 1984. A meeting between these two giants and rivals of African football is always a spectacle and Nigeria can grab their prize after a near calamitous start to preparations, dominated by club and country conflicts.
Such push and pulls have seen Nigeria play at this competition without three key players – Emmanuel Dennis, Victor Osimhem and Odion Ighalo, all who had been called up. However, so far the Super Eagles haven’t shown signs of missing the trio.
