Abuja – African champions Nigeria revived their hopes of qualifying for next year’s Africa Cup of Nations when they defeated Sudan 3-1 in Abuja on Wednesday.

Nigeria have now climbed to third place in Group A with four points from as many matches.

South Africa lead the standings on seven points, while Congo are second with six points. Sudan are bottom with three points.

Next month Nigeria travel to Congo, before they host South Africa to round up their campaign for a place at the 2015 Nations Cup.

The Super Eagles opened the scoring after 48 minutes when Ahmed Musa latched on to a through ball by Mikel Obi, wiggled through the Sudan defence before he slid the ball home.

But Sudan restored parity in the 55th minute when Salah Ibrahim slotted home from a pass from inside the box.

China-based striker Aaron Samuel restored Nigeria’s lead in the 66th minute when he stabbed home a loose ball after a mix-up between Sudan goalkeeper Akram El Hadi and his defender.

Musa got his brace in the 90th minute when he capitalised on another Sudan defensive lapse, rounded up another defender before he slotted home for Nigeria’s third goal.

Nigeria were at best disjointed in the first half as they attacked from the onset in front of theor ho0me fans at the Abuja National Stadium.

And it was the visitors who created the better chances on the counter attack in the first 45 minutes.