Nigeria's Emmanuel Emenike, 9, celebrates one of the
goals which have made him the tournament's top scorer.
It is a first final for the Super Eagles in 13 years, and a chance for a first continental crown since their triumph in 1994.
Elderson Echiejile, Brown Ideye, the tournament’s top-scorer Emmanuel Emenike and Ahmed Musa put Nigeria in complete control inside an hour, before Mali pulled a goal back through Fantamady Diarra.
For a team who were heavily criticised as no-hopers through the pool stages, with coach Stephen Keshi reportedly facing the axe if they did not defeat Cote d’Ivoire in their quarter-final, it is a stunning turnaround in fortunes.
Mali had two opportunities early on to take a grip on the game; Molla Wague headed just wide, while Momo Sissoko shot over shortly afterwards.
John Obi Mikel was influential in the midfield and had another excellent game, controlling the play and helping Nigeria launch attacks from deep inside their own half. He put Emenike free, but Mali goalkeeper Mamadou Samassa saved well.
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