Gabriel Heinze powered in a header after six minutes to give Argentina a 1-0 victory over a spirited Nigeria side in a Group B match at Ellis Park
The Olympic Marseille defender was allowed to arrive unmarked into the box and drive in a powerful diving header that sailed into the top corner of the net, as the Nigerians made a slow start to the game.
Insult was added to injury when Taye Taiwo was forced to go off injured after a thunderbolt that just skimmed past Romero's post.
Nigeria made a slopw start to the encounter, but after going a goal down, the Super Eagles, playing in front of President Goodluck Jonathan, showed fight and spirit as they battled their way back into the game and caused plenty of anxious moments for Diego Maradona's Argtentina.
Chinedu Obasi, a surprise inclusion ahead of Osaze Odemwingie, was causing problems down the leoft side for Gutierrez, and he had two early opportunities to find the nest, but shot wide.
Obafemi Martins and Yakubu Aiyegbeni also had half chances, and Uche Kalu missed a glorious chance to draw the game level towrads the end.
But Nigeria were saved on numerous occasions by goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama, who denied Messi, Tevez and Higuain, with spectacular saves.
The Israel-based goalie was deservedly named Man Of The Match, and to win such an honour in a losing side against the likes of Messi, tells its own story
Nigeria play Greece next on June 17.
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