Nigeria advanced to the quarter-final stage of the 2018 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) following a 3-1 victory over Equatorial Guinea in a Group C clash at the Stade Adrar, Morocco on Tuesday evening.

Anthony Okpotu, Dayo Ojo and substitute Rabiu Ali overturned Equatorial Guinea’s first-half advantage in what was an exciting encounter in Agadir.

Stephen Enze had Nigeria’s first attempt on goal in the ninth minute but saw his header from a corner go wide.

Equatorial Guinea though weathered the storm with Beka Pascual particularly impressive in commanding his penalty area.

Nigeria continued to boss the game but were lacking the cutting edge in the final third.

Nzalang Nationale took the lead through Nsi Eyama Salvador’s 40th minute header in a half that the tiny West African nation dominated.

Ekundayo Ojo put the Nigerians ahead on 69 minutes from a long range bullet. Equatorial Guinea shot-stopper Beka Pascul was left with little chance as the midfielder’s attempt rifled into the back of the net from distance.

As Equatorial Guinea faded, Nigeria stretched the lead when Ali,the second oldest player at the tournament after 38-year-old Congo goalkeeper Barel Mouko netted.

Seven minutes from time, Nigeria introduced Ifeanyi Ali who made sure of the victory from the penalty spot after Okpotu had been fouled in the box.

The Super Eagles were in control of proceedings for the rest of the clash as they eased to a comfortable victory.

Nigeria will now meet the runners-up in Group D in the quarter-finals on Sunday, 28 January.

Equatorial Guinea: Pascuel Elibiyo, Ondo, Atom (Akapo 66′), Anvene, Ernesto Montero, Maye (Marcos Nve 83′), Eworo, Pio Eko, Basilio, Eneme (Ekuaga 78′), Nsi Eyama Salvador.

Nigeria: Ezenwa; Osas Okoro, Eze, Okogbue, Daniel James, Ojo, Atuloma, Ifeanyi (Ali 62′), Okpotu (Gabriel 84′), Ogbugh (Nur 76′), Faleye.