Uruguay bounced back from an opening defeat against Spain to edge African champions Nigeria 2-1 in a crucial Confederations Cup clash on Thursday night.

John Obi Mikel had cancelled out the opening goal from Diego Lugano but Uruguay veteran Diego Forlan would decide matters in the 51st minute.

Uruguay had the first attempt at goal with Cristian Rodriguez letting fly from far out but Vincent Enyeama tipped the shot over.

The Super Eagles soon settled though and were knocking the ball around well but the South Americans would hit the front when Forlan's low cross somehow made its way to Lugano who scuffed a finish home from close range.

Nigeria remained the more dangerous of the two sides though but poor finishing ensured that the Super Eagles wasted a number of decent opportunities.

A goal would come from an unlikely source though as Mikel was played in and the Chelsea man dummied his defender before slotting a shot into the top corner.

The Africans almost found a second just before the break from a corner but Muslera did enough to get the ball over the crossbar.

Uruguay started to enjoy a little more control after the break and Forlan would restore their lead with an emphatic strike in the 51st minute that gave the goalkeeper no chance.

Edinson Cavani then thumped a shot over from 12 yards out while Ideye failed to finish on the turn with 20 minutes to go.

Cavani continued to disappoint in the 75th minute when he curled a header wide of the target and Nigeria were unable to find a late equaliser as Uruguay secured the spoils.

The result means that Nigeria will need a result against group leaders Spain while Uruguay meet Tahiti as they look to secure progress to the semi-finals.