An Ivory Coast team packed with Barclays Premier League talent thrashed Benin 4-1 in the African Nations Cup and their place in the quarter-finals was sealed after Nigeria drew 0-0 with Mali.

Following their opening win over Nigeria, the 'Elephants' now sit on six points in Group B, with the third-placed Eagles on just one point.

Chelsea striker Didier Drogba finished coolly five minutes before half-time to begin the rout and Yaya Toure, of Barcelona, then made it two in the 43rd minute following a fine dribble by his brother Kolo, the Arsenal captain.

Abdelkader Keita (52) scored a third, Aruna Dindane (62) added a fourth and Razak Omotoyossi headed a fine last-minute consolation for the minnows known as the Squirrels.

As well as Drogba and Toure, Salomon Kalou, Didier Zokora, Emmanuel Eboue and Abdoulaye Meite were also among Ivory Coast's Premier League contingent at the Sekondi Sports Stadium.

Nigeria's hopes of progressing were hit by the goalles draw with Mali.

Mali dominated a tedious opening half but Bert Vogts' Nigerians improved and had an Ayegbeni Yakubu goal correctly disallowed for offside late on.

Seydou Keita then hit the bar for Mali as the match belatedly sprang to life in the closing stages.

The Nigerian starting XI featured six England-based players - Danny Shittu, Seyi George Olofinjana, Joseph Yobo, Yakubu, Obafemi Martins and Mikel John Obi - While Portsmouth's John Utaka came off the bench for the Super Eagles.

Liverpool's Juventus-bound midfielder Mohamed Sissoko played the full match for Mali, along with former Tottenham striker Freddie Kanoute.

Nigeria have just one point after two games, while Mali, who play Ivory Coast in their final group match, sit on four.

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