Striker Didier Drogba slammed home what turned out to be the match winner on 46 minute to land Cote d'Ivoire the first final slot in the 25th African Cup of Nations against a lack lustre Super Eagles of Nigeria at the Harras El-Hedoud Stadium here Tuesday.

The Ivorians, who represent Africa at the 2006 World Cup in Germany in June, had dominated the first half before getting the lone goal one minute on resumption when Drogba had only goalie Vincent Enyeama to beat.

Nigerian skipper Austin Jay-Jay Okocha saw his first appearance in the tournament, which unfortunately turned out to be his last match, when he came on for youthful John Mikel Obi in the second half.

The Super Eagles bring to two the number of tournament favourites the Elephants of Cote D'Ivoire have eliminated on the way to the grand final, having thrown out the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon in a dramatic penalty shoot out in which both teams took a dozen kicks each. The lengthy shootout became history in the African Nations Cup.

Tuesday's win is the Ivorians' first Nations Cup final since 1992, while the Nigerians have crashed out of the semi-finals for the third time in a row.

The Ivorians will play the winner of the second semi-final match between host Egypt and Senegal at 1700 GMT Tuesday at the Cairo International Stadium.

The final is slated for Friday.