Nigeria on the verge of World Cup exit- Obasi plays second half

Otto Rehhagel set his team out defensively with a back line of four and a sweeper, while Nigeria coach Lars Lagerback decided to pass on Chinedu Obasi, who didn't produce his best in the first game in Argentina.

The first quarter of an hour was largely forgettable, but then on 16 minutes the Super Eagles took the lead; a free kick from Uche evading everybody and finding its way into the back of the net. The Greeks were looking as harmless as they had been in the opening game against South Korea, throwing aimless long balls towards Theofanis Gekas, which were mostly finding their way through to Nigerian keeper Enyeama. Nigeria were controlling the game, and were trying to increase their lead on the counter attack. But then, following Kaita's sending off for a kick in the direction of Torosidis on 33 minutes, Nigeria lost all rhythm. Thereafter, the Greeks became much more dangerous; Rehhagel brought on Samaras to offer more of an attacking threat. Sure enough, on 44 minutes, Salpingidis' deflected strike found the back of the net for the equaliser.

At the break, Lagerback tried to make up for Nigeria's numerical deficit by bringing on Chinedu Obasi for the disappointing Odemwingie. Indeed, the Hoffenheim man had a great chance to put the Nigerians back in the lead on 59 minutes; after a shot from Yakubu was saved by Tsorvas, the ball fell to Obasi, who couldn't hit the target. It was a truly end to end game, but the win was to go to Greece after they found a winner on 71 minutes; Tziolis shot was parried by Enyeama, and Torosidis followed up to put Greece 2-1 ahead. Despite missing several chances to wrap up the game afterwards, it was they who would take the three points.