Former Governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, has congratulated Nigerians and the Super Eagles on the emergence of Nigeria as the champions of Africa in the Africa Cup of Nations.

Kalu, in a statement by his Special Adviser, Emeka Obasi, said the Super Eagles deserved to win the trophy.

He said Sunday's one nil victory over Burkina Faso confirmed his position that a new Super Eagles was in the making.

Obasi quoted Kalu as having said in the statement: "After 19 years of not winning the Africa Cup of Nations, it was obvious from the build up to the tournament that a new Super Eagles was in the making.

"My only joy is not that the Super Eagles won the trophy, it is more that we now have a crop of players we can build our football around.

"The future looks great with the crop of budding players Coach Stephen Keshi has been able to put together.

"My only hope and prayer is that the politics that has been affecting the national teams will not jeopardize this new beginning."