1,000th-goal man Okocha propels Nigeria past South Africa

Nigeria skipper Austin 'Jay Jay' Okocha grabbed the 1,000th goal in the history of the African Nations Cup as the Super Eagles walloped South Africa 4-0 in a Group D clash.

Joseph Yobo put Nigeria in front after only four minutes from a corner before Okocha scored from a penalty to hit the 1,000 goal milestone as he doubled the Eagles' advantage on 64 minutes.

Second-half substitute Osaze Odemwingie then grabbed a brace in the 80th and 82nd minutes with two well-taken goals.

John Utaka had a chance to add to South African misery in the dying moments of the game but his finishing let him down.

Nigeria have now climbed to the top of group with three points from two matches while South Africa are in second place with same number of points but having scored fewer goals.

Morocco, who beat Nigeria in the opening match of the group Tuesday, will clash with Benin later in the day in the other match of the group.

South Africa have now failed to win or even score a goal against Nigeria in four encounters.

Interestingly, they looked bright and purposeful for most part of the game but never got past the Nigerian backline ably marshalled by the impressiive Yobo.

Questions may be asked about the penalty awarded to the Nigerians midway through the game after Aaron Mokoena fell and handled the ball with Nwankwo Kanu hot on his trail but, in general, referee Mohamed Ali Bujsaim had control of the match.

South Africa took the game to Nigeria from the kick-off but it was Everton defender Yobo who put the Super Eagles ahead after just four minutes when he coolly slotted home off a corner by Ifeanyi Ekwueme after goalkeeper Emile Baron had fumbled the ball from a corner.

Nigeria created more of the chances in the first half but failed to translate their openings into goals to kill off the game as early as possible.

Arsenal forward Kanu had a chance to increase the lead nine minutes after the opener but he delayed his shot allowing the South African goalkeeper to narrow the angle and then make a save.

And again two minutes later Utaka went clean through on goal but Baron's feet denied him. The Lens striker was then on the end of a free kick but his header flashed off target.

South Africa also had their chances. They won two corners in succession as they tried to get back into the match and then Siyabonga Nomvethe forced a double save from Enyeama after 25 minutes and almost immediately the same player booted his shot wide from six-yards.

Nigeria will now travel to Sfax Wednesday to tackle Benin while South Africa take on Morocco in Sousse as the battle for quarter-final places hots up.