Nigeria opened the scoring in the fourth minute through Joseph Yobo, before captain Jay Jay Okocha added a second with a controversial penalty in the 63rd minute.

Substitute Osaze Odemwingie added two goals within a minute late in the game.

The victory sees Nigeria's Nations Cup campaign back on course, but South Africa, who beat Benin in their opening match, are in danger of being knocked out in the first round.

Phumo, who was only appointed as caretaker coach a day before the team left for Tunisia, congratulated Nigeria and said the side had played well.

"But I must also say that there were some questionable decisions. Our goalkeeper Wayne Roberts was fouled before the opening goal, we were denied a penalty when Sibusiso Zuma was brought down in the second half, and our defender was fouled before their penalty was awarded.

"It is terrible that a competition of this magnitude should be decided by such decisions," he said.

The penalty for Nigeria was awarded after South African defender Aaron Mokoena handled the ball in the area after being fouled.

South African captain, Mbulelo Mabizela was less scathing of United Arab Emirates referee Mohamed Ali Bujsaim than Phuma though.

"These things happen. Yes, some of the decisions were against us, but Nigeria played well.

Nigeria have taken over at the top of the group from Morocco and South Africa. All three have three points, but the North Africans can go top of the group later on Saturday if they beat Benin.