The Super Eagles of Nigeria have confirmed their status as favorites to win next weekend's African Cup of Nations final after a 2-1 win over Ivory Coast in the quarter-finals of the tourney.

Emmanuel Emenike's scorcher off a pass from Mikel Obi gave Nigeria the lead in the 43rd minute. And the 1- 0 scoreline remained  that way until the end of the first half.

The Elephants meant business at the restart. It took them only 5 minutes to restore parity. Newcastle United defensive midfielder Cheick Tiote was left unmarked to head in the equalizer.

With 12 minutes remaining before the end of the game, Enugu Rangers' Sunday Mba received the ball and dribbled two defenders and from 17 meters fired in a shot which caught the Ivorian goalkeeper napping.

Sunday Mba was named Orange Man of the Match while the Samsung Fair Player of Match went to Kenneth Omeruo.

Nigeria will now play another West African team Mali in the semi-finals on Wednesday, February 6.