Liverpool defender Rigobert Song converted the decisive spot-kick as Cameroon beat Nigeria in a penalty shoot-out to win the African Nations Cup for the third time.

The final in Lagos was forced into a dramatic conclusion after the Nigerians had recovered from two goals behind to make it 2-2, with extra-time failing to separate them.

Arsenal striker Kanu was then one of two Nigeria players to miss from the spot before Cameroon captain Song accepted the chance to settle the issue 4-3.

Samuel Eto'o put Cameroon ahead in the 25th minute and Patrick Mboma added a second five minutes later.

But Ndukwe Chukwu reduced the arrears just before the break and Augustine `Jay Jay' Okocha levelled within 90 seconds of the restart.

That completed the scoring but it was not the end of the drama as the Nigerians believed Victor Ikpeba's penalty in the shoot-out had crossed the line after hitting the underside of the crossbar. Television replays appeared to confirm this.

West Ham's Marc Vivien Foe was the only Cameroon player to miss from the spot for the 1984 and 1988 champions.