Reading's one-time record signing, Emerse Fae, has taken his nation into the final of the Africa Cup of Nations despite only being appointed midway through the tournament.

Host nation of the prestigious competition, Jean-Louis Gasset was removed from his post after the group stages and assistant Fae took on the role for the knockout phases.

Knocking out Senegal, Mali and DR Congo, Nigeria awaits in the final.

Fae, who had no previous first-team managerial experience, will hope to lead the Elephants to their third competition win.

The 40-year-old defender was a £2.5m signing for Steve Coppell from Nantes in 2007.

Contracting malaria and reportedly refusing to play for the reserves, the Ivory Coast international made just eight appearances for the club before returning to France in 2008.

Fae was only 28 when he retired in 2012, struggling with Phlebitis.