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Osaze Odemwingie of Nigeria (C) celebrates after scoring a goal against Mozambique during their group C stage match of the African Cup of Nations at the Tundavala stadium in Lubango.

Russia-based Osaze Odemwingie scored just before and after half-time as Nigeria beat Mozambique 3-0 on Wednesday and reached the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals.

The wide midfielder from Lokomotiv Moscow was given time and space in the final minute of the opening half at Tundavala Stadium in this southern Angola town to rifle a low shot past goalkeeper Joao Rafael at his near post.

And the veteran of four Nations Cup campaigns scored a far simpler goal two minutes into the second half as he tapped in a cross from captain Yakubu Aiyegbeni.

A memorable match for Odemwingie was completed midway through the second half when Everton striker Yakubu was substituted by injury-troubled Obafemi Martins and the matchwinner became skipper of the 'Super Eagles'.

Victory for Nigeria and an equally predictable 2-0 triumph for defending champions Egypt over Benin in Benguela at the same time brought a predictable climax to Group C of the biennial African football showcase.

Egypt topped the table with nine points after comfortable victories over all three mini-league opponents as they seek a record third consecutive Nations Cup title having won at home in 2006 and in Ghana two years ago.

Nigeria recovered from a 3-1 opening-match loss to Egypt with wins over the minnows to collect six points while Benin and Mozambique brought up the rear with a solitary point each on the final standings.

Who the 'Pharaohs' and the 'Super Eagles' face in January 25 quarter-finals will be decided on Thursday when Gabon, Cameroon, Tunisia and Zambia fight to finish first and second in Group D.

Egypt will face the pool runners-up at Ombaka Stadium in Benguela early next Monday with Nigeria remaining in Lubango to face the Group D winners later and surprise packets Gabon occupy top spot after two rounds.

Nigeria, needing a draw to clinch a last-eight place, looked the more threatening side in the opening half at a sparsely-populated 20,000-seat stadium and Chinedu Obasi missed a 'sitter' midway through.

The Germany-based striker, a last-minute inclusion in the squad, headed at Rafael from a few metres when seemingly certain to break the deadlock in a match that seldom rose above the pedestrian.

Mozambique pushed the ball around impressively and Martinho 'Paito' Mucana stung the hands of Nigeria goalkeeper Victor Enyeama with a long-range effort that brought a good parried save.

Martins completed the scoring five minutes from full-time when he pounced on a rebound to drive the ball low into the far corner after Rafael failed to grasp a close-range Mikel shot.