SEKONDI - IVORY Coast blitzed Benin 4-1 to reach the African Nations Cup quarter-finals while Nigeria's fate in the tournament was put out of their hands after a goalless draw against Mali on Friday.

Twice winners Nigeria have only one point from two matches in Group B. The Ivorians are top on six points with Mali second on four. Benin, playing for the competition for the second time, are eliminated.

A draw against Ivory Coast in Accra on Tuesday would send Mali through to the last eight even if Nigeria beat Benin in Sekondi.

'Mali are a very very tough team.' Mali put up fierce resistance against Nigeria and went close to taking the points when midfielder Seydou Keita hit the crossbar with a long-range shot in the second half.

'We played solid football throughout against a Nigeria side who had four strikers up front,' Mali coach Jean-Francois Jodar said after a tense battle.

Earlier on Friday, Ivory Coast brushed aside Benin with another accomplished display.

Striker Didier Drogba broke the deadlock five minutes before halftime after being set up by a fine pass from Yaya Toure.

The Barcelona midfielder stabbed in the second on 44 minutes by latching on a cross from his brother Kolo, who was replaced on the stroke of halftime after suffering a groin injury.

Abdulkader Keita and Aruna Dindane netted second-half goals to wrap up the win with Razak Omotoyossi scoring a consolation just before the final whistle.

Benin coach Reinhard Fabisch, who claimed on Thursday a man had approached him to fix the opening game against Mali, said he was ready to file a report after being asked to do so by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

'I am prepared to do all that is necessary to clarify this. I am not being told yet what is wanted from me but I'd be happy to do it,' the German told Reuters.

'When something like this happens I have a duty to report it and bring it to the public's attention.' -- REUTERS