Very few pundits could have predicted the Super Eagles celebrating on the winners podium at the start of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations considering their form going into the tournament.
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They seemed to improve considerably in their last qualifying tie against Liberia in Calabar with the introduction of Mikel Obi, but there were serious concerns about their defence.
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While there were notable improvements in the midfield and attack, it only seemed a matter of time for the wobbly defence to let the team down.
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And that moment came to pass in the first match of the Afcon, when Godfrey Oboabona failed to deal with a cross to gift Burkina Faso a late equaliser.
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Ahmed Musa got the chop in the forward line, while Fegor Ogude's suspension paved the way for Ogenyi Onazi, who took his chance very well.