Source: Xinhua

01-30-2008 10:10

Special Report:   2008 African Cup

Nigeria magically grasped a berth of the quarter-finals of the 26th Africa Nations Cup on Tuesday with a 2-0 win againstBeninin Group B which is a so-called group of death.

The Super Eagles was supposed to be throw out in the group stage after it only managed to get a draw againstMalilast Friday. Only a victory of two goals in the match againstBeninwithMalilosing toCote d'Ivoirewould helpNigeriato move forward.

Nigeriamagically grasped a berth of the quarter-finals of the 26th Africa Nations Cup on Tuesday with a 2-0 win againstBeninin Group B which is a so-called group of death. (Photo: sina.com)
Nigeria magically grasped a berth of the quarter-finals of 
the 26th Africa Nations Cup on Tuesday with a 2-0 win against 
Beninin Group B which is a so-called group of death. 
(Photo: sina.com)

The doubt over the fate ofNigeriastill lingered in the first half in the southern Ghanaian city ofSekondias the controlling time of the two teams was almost equally divided and both of them made five fruitless shots. The situation changed soon in the second half.Chelseamidfielder John Obi Mikel received the ball and headed in successfully in the 52nd minute, after his teammate Taye Taiwo failed to break through the defense ofMali's goalkeeper Yoann Djidonou with a free kick.

It was also the first goal ofNigeriain the continental tournament, boosting the morale of the Super Eagles greatly but stretching the nerve ofBeninfurther. A good chance forBeninto gain an equalizer came in the 71st minute, but its striker did not make a quick decision to shoot. The attack was foiled by Nigerian defenders at last.

With five minutes remaining, Yakubu Aiyegbeni ofNigeriaran onto Mikel's ball and extended the lead with a low shot.

Nigeriamagically grasped a berth of the quarter-finals of the 26th Africa Nations Cup on Tuesday with a 2-0 win against Beninin Group B which is a so-called group of death. (Photo: sina.com)

Nigeria magically grasped a berth of the quarter-finals of 
the 26th Africa Nations Cup on Tuesday with a 2-0 win against  
Beninin Group B which is a so-called group of death.
(Photo: sina.com)

AsMaliwas defeated 3-0 byCote d'IvoireinGhana's capital ofAccra, The Super Eagles and The Elephants secured their position in the quarter-finals.

Nigeriawill face the challenge of the hostGhanainAccranext Sunday whileCote d'Ivoirewill play againstGuineain Sekondi on the same day.

The Super Eagles will be under the intense pressure ofGhana's home fans. They lost 4-1 toGhanain a friendly match at the beginning of the year inLondon. In the last three Africa Nations Cup finals,Nigeriahas been regarded as one of the hopefuls but were eliminated on each occasion at the semifinal stage.