The win meant that the Nigerians managed a 100 percent run through the group stage of the tournament.
But the Nigerians were made to work for the win by the Ivorians as the game dragged into overtime after it was tied at 6-6 after three periods of intense play.
The Sand Eagles had Godspower Igudia sent off in the first period and that handed Ivory Coast the numerical advantage.
In two previous meetings in beach soccer competitions, the Ivorians had edged Nigeria 5-4 at the last edition of the African tournament and then repeated same feat with same scoreline at last year's edition of the Copa Lagos.
But determined not to falter for a third time to the Ivorians, the Sand Eagles stepped up to the plate despite their numerical disadvantage.
Kablan Aka was the main figure for the Ivorians as the forward tore in the Nigerian defence time and time again.
The Ivorians went into the lead and Nigeria evened the score, but it was the final period that produced an interesting match-up.
Kablan had helped Ivory Coast by contributing three of the goals that ensured the game stood at 6-6 after full time of three periods.
Nigeria had their captain Isiaka Olawale, Abu Azeez, Ikechukwu Ibenegbu, Emeka Ogbonna and Taiwo Adams for their goals. Olawale scored twice inside full time when the score stood at 6-6.
However, it was the free-scoring Ogbonna who broke the hearts of the Ivorians by scoring the winning goal in overtime to see off the resistance of their West African neighbours.
Nigeria finished top of Group A and have now scored 21 goals in three games with Ogbonna hitting six of them.
The Sand Eagles will confront Group B's runners-up in the semifinals on Saturday.
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