The Burkinabes have defied all the odds to get to this stage and make history with their first-ever appearance at the tournament's showpiece encounter, having seen off one of the favourites Ghana on penalties in this week's semi-final.
This weekend's clash will mark the second time the sides have met in the South African showpiece, having played out a 1-1 draw in their Group C opener.
Paul Put's men also dispatched Togo in the quarter-finals, while their progression past the group stages was secured by a goalless draw against defending champions Zambia after they had previously pummeled Ethiopia 4-0.
The Super Eagles, two-time continental kings, cruised past their last-four clash against Mali, smashing home four goals to romp to a 4-1 win.
That result came on the back of their inspired 2-1 win over pre-tournament favourites Ivory Coast in the last-eight, while they also went unbeaten in Group C, following up their 1-1 draw against the Copper Bullets with a 2-0 win over Ethiopia.
A massive boost for Burkina Faso is the news CAF have rescinded the red card shown to Jonathan Pitroipa against the Black Stars, leaving the in-form playmaker eligible for selection on Sunday.
The decision comes as a timely one for the Stallions, who are without top-scorer Alain Traore through injury.
Nigeria, meanwhile, are sweating on the fitness of strike duo Emmanuel Emenike and Victor Moses, the former currently the top scorer at this year's AFCON with four goals, while the latter has two.
What is your prediction for the match?
No comments:
Post a Comment