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Against all odds, Nigeria’s Super Eagles this evening powered into the next round of the Championship of African Nations (CHAN) after beating hosts Bafana Bafana 3-1 at the Cape Town Stadium.

It was a much improved Eagles on display, with under-fire goalie and captain Chigozie Agbim at the top of his game, pulling off save after save – the only goal he conceded being via a penalty kick.

The Stephen Keshi boys had the match under control after an initial South African gra-gra. Set up by Ifeanyi Ede, mesmerising winger Ejike Uzoenyi swept the ball past the Bafana goalkeeper Moeneeb Josephs in the 22^nd minute for his first international goal for Nigeria.

Ten minutes later the Eagles went two goals up. Goalie Moeneeb had spilled the ball and in an attempt to win back possession he brought down Gbolahan Salami for a penalty kick converted by Ede.

Uzoenyi further extended the lead with yet another brilliant goal in the 64^th minute.

South Africa’s consolatory goal came in the 81^st minute off the booth of Bernard Parker after Uzochukwu brought down Parer inside the box for a penalty kick.

Both teams ended the match with ten men apiece after Solomon Kwambe (73^rd minute) and South Africa’s Vuyo Mere (76^th minute) were sent off for rough play.

South Africa, which needed a draw to advance, crashed out, with Nigeria joining Mali, who beat whipping boys Mozambique 2-1 with a last-minute penalty in the other game to top Group A, into the next round.

•Photo shows two-goal hero Ejike Uzoenyi.

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