Nigeria edged closer to qualifying for the finals of the African Nations Cup with a 3-1 win over Niger - but they were made to work for it by their neighbours.

Niger held Nigeria's famous attack - which included England-based strikers Kanu, Obafemi Martins and Yakubu Aiyegbeni - at bay until just before half time, when Kanu headed in Onyekachi Okonkwo's cross.

But Niger came out fighting after the break, and midway through the second half got their reward when Kamilou Daouda headed in.

Parity was restored for barely more than a minute, however, before Nigeria went back in front through a penalty. Osaze's corner kick caused all sorts of confusion in the Niger defence, and the referee spotted a handball during the resulting melee. Taiye Taiwo stepped up and converted.

But Niger still kept pressing, and Nigeria were not allowed to relax until Yakubu Aiyegbeni beat the Nigerien defence to slot past a helpless Rabo in the Niger goal.

The result means that Nigeria will go to Ghana if Uganda fail to win their postponed match with Lesotho, which has now been rescheduled to Tuesday.

The game was cancelled after the referees arrived late at the game - by which time the game could not longer be played without the use of floodlights, which had not been tested.

1-0Kanu's Goal

Niger's Equalizer

2-1: Taiye Taiwo

3-1: Yakubu