CUIABA, Brazil (AP) — Nigeria eliminated Bosnia-Herzegovina from World Cup contention with a 1-0 win over the tournament newcomers on Saturday, with Peter Odemwingie’s first-half goal getting the African champions closer to the knockout stage.
Odemwingie sealed Nigeria’s first victory at a World Cup since 1998 — spanning 10 matches — by finishing from close range in the 29th minute after one of a string of powerful runs by fellow striker Emmanuel Emenike.
Bosnia faded after a bright start, during which star striker Edin Dzeko had a goal contentiously disallowed for offside, and is still without a point in Group F following a 2-1 defeat to Argentina in its opener.
A draw would have given the Bosnians something to play for in their last group match, against Iran, but Dzeko had a shot tipped onto the post by goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama in the final few seconds, ending their hopes.
Nigeria need a point against Argentina on Wednesday to be guaranteed a spot in the Round of 16 — and a surprise win would secure top spot in the group.
Group F Standings
Wins
Losses
Draws
Goals For
Goals Against
Points
Argentina
2
0
0
3
1
6
Nigeria
1
0
1
1
0
4
Iran
0
1
1
0
1
1
Bosnia-Herzegovina
0
2
0
1
3
0
Standings and Results
Sunday, June 15 – Argentina 2, Bosnia-Herzegovina 1
Monday, June 16 – Iran 0, Nigeria 0
Saturday, June 21 –Argentina 1, Iran 0
Saturday, June 21 – 6 pm.: Nigeria 1, Bosnia-Herzegovina 0
Wednesday, June 25 – Noon: Argentina vs Nigeria at Porto Alegre
Wednesday June 25 – Noon: Bosnia-Herzegovina vs Iran at Salvador
