OWN CORRESPONDENT, Lagos | Thursday 9.00pm.
NIGERIA confirmed their status as favourites to win the African Nations Cup with an impressive 2-0 triumph over Morocco on Thursday that sealed first place in Group D.
Defeat proved particularly costly for Morocco as they were pipped for the second place in the knockout stages by Tunisia, who had a similar goal difference to the Atlas Lions but scored more goals.
Tunisia defeated Congo 1-0 in the northern city of Kano through a Radhi Jaidi goal after 15 minutes and stay there for a North African showdown against defending champions Egypt on Monday.
The Super Eagles will face surprise packets Senegal in Lagos the same day after a much-improved performance from a side jeered when held goalless by Congo last week.
Finidi George put the country that has won the cup twice ahead after 28 minutes and substitute Julius Aghahowa grabbed the second 10 minutes before the end of a match between two African football giants.
Nigeria played with a lot more purpose than shown in the drab deadlock with Congo and it came as no surprise when the Super Eagles moved ahead with a superb goal from Spanish-based midfielder Finidi.
A low pass across the field found George unmarked about 25 metres from goal. He controlled the ball, pushed it forward with his right foot and unleashed a left-foot drive that flew into the net.
Nigeria sealed victory when Tunisian-based Aghahowa burst between a couple of defenders, maintained control of the ball and lobbed it over goalkeeper Fouhami before celebrating with a series of cartwheels. — AFP