The Chelsea forward found the net in the 47th minute to book Ivory Coast's first African final appearance in over a decade.

Ivory Coast will take on the winner from Egypt's match against Senegal, later on Tuesday, in Friday's final.

Drogba barely missed the target from a 7th minute free-kick while Arouna Kone should have scored from his 45th minute header.

Two minutes after restart Kolo Toure sent a long pass to the onrushing Drogba who latched on to the pass beating the offside trap before sliding the ball between the legs of advancing Nigeria keeper Vincent Enyeama.

Nigeria coach Augustine Eguavoen fielded skipper Jay-Jay Okocha after the goal but the Bolton midfielder failed to shift the game in favor of the Super Eagles.