Supporters of the Super Eagles were left disappointed on Wednesday evening after the defending champions failed to qualify for the 2015 African Cup of Nations following  the 2 - 2 with South Africa in their final Group A fixture.

Despite all the efforts from CSKA Moscow striker Ahmed Musa, Nigeria failed to take the lead and they paid dearly for it in the closing stages of the first half when England - based Tokelo Rantie opened scoring for the visitors.

The Bournemouth forward bagged his second of the game in the 49th minute, taking advantage of some shambolic defending by the Eagles to net his fourth international goal in a space of two months.

Coming back from a two - goal deficit proved to be a difficult task for the African champions.

Hull City midfielder Sone Aluko gave them hope with his first pair of goals in Nigeria colours, having netted in the 68th minute and four minutes into stoppage time.

In the other Group A game which took place simultaneously, Congo defeated Sudan away , which meant Nigeria finished in third position.