Nigeria qualified for the African Nations Championship (CHAN) for the first time despite a 0-2 loss away to Cote d'Ivoire on Saturday in Abidjan.

The Super Eagles survived a first half scare from the Ivorians to keep a clean sheet in the second half of the encounter held at the Robert Champroux Stadium and go through 4-3 on aggregate.

The Elephants, who had participated in all two previous editions of the tournament, designed exclusively for footballers playing in their domestic leagues, needed to score at least three goals to edge past the Nigerians but the third goal never saw the light of day.

But for their 4-1 victory from the first leg, the Super Eagles could be laughing at the wrong side of their lips.

As early as six minutes, the hosts were up through Kevin Zougoula who capitalized on a blunder by the Nigerian defence before slotting past goalkeeper Chigozie Agbim.

It was the Ivorians all the way and they doubled the lead on 24 minutes through Zougoula again, this time from the spot after Nigerian defender Ali Rabiu fouled him in the vital area.

After the two goals, the visitors came into the picture thwarting several attacks by the homers in their quest for the much-needed third goal.

The second half was balanced as Stephen Keshi's men defended gallantly and prevented the Ivorians from finding the back of the net. Nigeria eventually grabbed one of the three tickets allotted Zone West B for the final tournament in South Africa next year.

It will be the first time Nigeria will be participating at the competition. In 2009, they lost out to Ghana before Niger blocked their path two years later.