The 2013 Africa Cup of Nations final on Sunday at the National Stadium in Soweto pits together two sides who few would have tipped to make it all the way to the ultimate stage of the tournament.

Nigeria, who thumped Mali 4-1 in the first semifinal in Durban, have been the slow burners of the tournament, steadily improving since their opening 1-1 draw with Burkina Faso at the Mbombela Stadium back on January 21.

The Super Eagles, inspired by the attacking abilities of Emmanuel Emenike and Victor Moses, as well as the intelligent control of the midfield provided by John Obi Mikel, have simply overpowered their opponents with strength and speed, racking up three successive wins against Ethiopia Cote d’Ivoire and Mali to reach this stage.

Link to Nigerian players

It is their first appearance in an AFCON final since the year 2000, when they succumbed on home soil to Cameroon. It also gives them a chance to reclaim the continental title for the first time since 1994, back when coach Stephen Keshi was still a player for the national team.

Aside from the superb play of Emenike, Moses and Mikel, Nigeria have also been able to call upon youngster Ahmed Musa, who made a big impact against Mali when he came off the bench in the semifinal by scoring his team’s fourth goal.

Link to Nigeria photo gallery

“I am happy with the goal and the victory was massive for us. We deserved it,” said the Super Eagles’ no.7, who called upon people back home to keep praying and holding thumbs for the final on Sunday.

"My target and that of the team has been to win the trophy, now that we are in the final, it is the trophy Nigerians should expect from us. They should continue to pray for us,” he said.

Burkina Faso have usurped Cape Verde as the ‘fairy tale’ team of the tournament, with their immense fighting spirit powering them to the top of Group C (they finished ahead of Nigeria, remember) as well as victories over fellow West Africans Togo (1-0 after extra time) and Ghana (3-1 on penalties after a 1-1 draw after extra time) in the quarter and semifinals respectively.

Link to Burkina Faso players

Coach Paul Put will be concerned at his team having played two successive 120 minute matches within the last week, as well as the suspension to key player Jonathan Pitroipa, who was unjustly sent off by referee Slim Jdidi in the semifinal against Ghana.

“It was a tough game but we deserved to win even though the decisions of the referee did not match the commitment shown by the 22 players on the pitch,” said the Burkinabe’s coach.

He added, “I am happy with the win but I am more happy for the players and the people of Burkina Faso.”

The Stallions captain Charles Kabore is hopeful that CAF will intervene and rescind the red card dished out to Pitroipa, freeing him to play in the final, though governing bodies are usually loathe to retroactively reverse the on-field decisions of their referees, even if they are proven to be incorrect.

Link to Burkina Faso Photo Gallery

"The referee is human and humans can make mistakes, but he just happened to make too many mistakes tonight," Kabore said.

"We are not going to dwell on that. We can forgive. We are in the final now and we think that Pitroipa should play in the final and that video must be reviewed."