Nigeria's Under-23 Nations Cup victory on Saturday must have come as welcome relief to Samson Siasia. Long held up as the torchbearer for the new generation of Nigerian coaches, his perceived inability to win major tournaments has been a major millstone around his neck.
Since leading the Nigeria U20s to the African title in 2005, Siasia finished second at the Under-20 World Cup that year, did the same at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing and came in second behind Niger at the 2011 WAFU Cup tournament.
Add this to finishing second behind Guinea in qualification for the 2012 African Nation's Cup, and a pattern emerges in the minds of what is a hugely superstitious populace.
Heading into that final against Algeria, there was more than just the African title at stake for Siasia. A Olympic ticket had been secured, but his reputation was on the line, as well as a future in which he obviously hopes to return as Super Eagles manager one day.
Buoyed by settlement of outstanding bonuses, to a total tune of $8,000 per player, plus the prospect of another $4,000 if they won the final, motivation was not in short supply. Oghenekaro Etebo's energetic, marauding run that led to the two goals epitomised the fight and hunger in the Nigerians.