Nigeria are through to the last eight of the African Cup of Nations after completing the lists of qualifiers on Tuesday.

The Super Eagles, faced with a first round elimination managed a 2-0 win over Benin at the Sekondi Sports Stadium.

Nigeria will play Ghana in at the Ohene Djan Stadium in Accra on Sunday in the quarter-finals stage of the tournament.

After an unimpressive start to the competition in Group B, the Super Eagles had to wait until the second half when John Mikel Obi headed them in front from inside the six-yard box in the 52nd minute.

Yakubu Aiyegbeni, who had been awful for most of the game, sealed Nigeria’s place in the last eight when he slotted the ball into the bottom corner from 12 yards with four minutes to go.

Though finishing level on points with Mali, Nigeria, advance to the next stage of the tournament after placing second and with a better goals difference.

Mali, who were in contention of a place in the last eight saw their dream crumble at the Ohene Djan Stadium in Accra where they were eliminated by Ivory Coast.

The Ivorians completed a third successive first round group win at the African Nations Cup as they beat Mali 3-0.

A ninth-minute goal from captain Didier Drogba followed by a second-half header from defender Marc Zoro and a late effort from substitute Boubacar Sanogo ensured the Ivorians finished top of Group B.