Super eagles soar into the knockout stages.

For the first time in their history, Nigeria have won their two opening Africa Cup of Nations games in consecutive tournament after producing a dominant performance to claim 3-1 victory over Sudan.

Unbeaten in their last four outings, Nigeria entered their second group stage game full of confidence, and they were in front within minutes. Moses Simon latched onto a long throw into the Sudan penalty area, and with his back to goal, the Nantes player laid the ball of to Samuel Chukwueze, who found the bet with a clinical left-footed strike.

Not content with their early opener, the ‘Super Eagles’ went looking for more, and their relentless pressure saw William Troost-Ekong denied by a sprawling Ali Abdallah Abu-Eshrein before Taiwo Awoniyi poked the ball against the post from close range. Despite not knowing much about it, the Union Berlin man did eventually found the net just before the break. Sudan failed to deal with Kelechi Iheancho’s deep free-kick, which culminated into the ball bouncing off Awoniyi and into the net.

The ‘Super Eagles’ start to the second half made the one to the first period seem sluggish as, within a minute of the restart, Augustine Eguavoen’s side were celebrating their third goal of the contest. After creating the opener, it was now Simon’s turn to put his name on their scoresheet, the 26-year-old sliding the ball home after a quick one-two Awoniyi.

With less than 25minutes to play, Sudan were giving a lifeline when referee Victor Gomes pointed to the spot following a VAR review, penalizing Ola Aina for a shirt pull. Walieldin Khidir assumed responsibility, and calmly side-footed his spot-kick into the top corner to score his nation’s first goal of the tournament.

Although, they were unable to muster a comeback, Burhan Tia’s side can take encouragement from much improved second-half display, while the three points ensure Nigeria will take part in the knockout phase.