Nigeria edge out Ivory Coast to reach semis

RUSTERNBURG – Nigeria progressed to the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations after overcoming favourites Ivory Coast in Phokeng, outside Rustenburg, on Sunday.

Sunday, February 03, 2013

QuarterfinalsSundayIvory Coast      1-2     Nigeria Burkina Faso     1-0    Togo RUSTERNBURG – Nigeria progressed to the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations after overcoming favourites Ivory Coast in Phokeng, outside Rustenburg, on Sunday.Super Eagles striker Emmanuel Emenike opened the scoring just before half-time, smashing a thunderous effort past Boubacar Barry in the Ivorian goal.Midfielder Cheick Tiote drew the Elephants level shortly after the break, heading home from Didier Drogba’s free-kick. But Sunday Mba sealed Nigeria’s win, with his shot deflecting off Sol Bamba.But the Ivorian disappointment is contrasted by the joyous scenes of celebration from the Nigerian camp. The Super Eagles have not lifted the trophy since 1994 – can 2013 finally be their year with this current crop of youngsters?Durban is the next stop for Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi and his team. There the Super Eagles will face Mali in Wednesday’s semi-final.Agencies