The gold medals got by Nigeria in the concluded Orange African Cup of Nations in South Africa on Sunday did not only make them the Africa’s new soccer champions but also earned them a ticket to represent the Continent (Africa) in the FIFA confederations cup to be hosted by Brazil this year.
The FIFA Confederations Cup is an association football tournament for national teams, held every four years by FIFA and It is contested by the holders of each of the six FIFA confederation championships (UEFA, CAF CONMEBOL, CONCACAF, AFC, and OFC), along with the FIFA World Cup holder and the host nation, to bring the number of teams up to eight. (it is a prelude tourney to the FIFA world Cup Tournaments and Brazil are the defending champions)
The Chipolopolo of Zambia who won the 2012 Orange African Cup of Nations (an even year), lost the chance because CAF wanted to switch the championship to being held in odd-numbered years instead of even-numbered years so that it does not again clash with the FIFA World Cup.
Therefore, Nigeria’s 1-0 win over Burkina Faso over the weekend in the 29th Edition, shows the Eagles in Group B seeded with World and European champions Spain, Uruguay who are representing South America continent after winning the 2011 Copa America cup, and Tahiti the 2012 Oceania Football Confederation Nations Cup winner.
Group A has Brazil (Hosts), Japan (2011 Asian cup winner), Mexico (2011 CONCACAF winner) and Italy (2012 Euro runners up). Italy was awarded a spot in the competition (2014 Confederation Cup) because Spain had won both the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the UEFA Euro 2012.
In view of the fact that both competitions award their winners a place in the FIFA Confederations Cup, the runners-up of UEFA Euro 2012(Italy) received an invitation to the tournament.
Nigeria head coach Stephen Keshi is honored to represent the continent in this dress-rehearsal tournament expected to be held from June 15-30,this year. “ It is an honour for us as Nigerians to represent Africa.” Stephen Keshi said immediately after the epic game against the Bukinabes.
“I haven’t even thought about it yet but it gives us the chance to continue to improve”.