Defending champions Nigeria beat Sudan 3 - 1 to get their African Cup of Nations qualifying campaign back on track, having failed to get a victory in their first three Group A fixtures.

CSKA Moscow star Ahmed Musa bagged his second brace for the national team in four months in the win over the North Africans while the lively forward Aaron Samuel netted on his home debut for the Super Eagles.

The Nigerian attack had been heavily criticized before the game, with Emmanuel Emenike failing to score internationally for the past one year.

But all the goals today at the National Stadium were netted by attackers, with Ahmed Musa opening scoring for both teams in the 48th minute after receiving a pass from John Mikel Obi.

Sudan, however, leveled the scoreline in the 56th minute through Salah Al Jizoli, who took advantage of some lax defending by Oboabona and Omeruo.

But Aaron Samuel scored 10 minutes later to restore the Eagles one - goal cushion before Ahmed Musa added more gloss to the scoreline with his eighth international goal three minutes from time.

Nigeria, who currently sit third on the table, will travel to Congo on November 14 for their penultimate group game before facing South Africa five days later at home.