Thanks to an 81st minute goal from CSKA Moscow forward Ahmed Musa, Nigeria took control of their Group F 2014 World Cup qualifying group on Wednesday.
The 2013 African Cup of Nations Champions made hard work of Kenya who were holding their own in Nairobi as Nigeria struggled to break down their very stubborn defence.
It was a rather physical game with chances on goal few and far between.
Nigeria, though, were certainly playing the better football, but some poor decision making in the final third saw them squander decent goal scoring opportunities in front of goal.
Nonetheless, the Super Eagles continued to pile on the pressure and finally made their dominance tell with a goal nine minutes from time.
The win took Nigeria to the top of their qualifying group with eight points from four games while Kenya prop up the group with two points.
The other game in Group F between Malawi and Namibia, also taking place on Wednesday in Blantyre, finished in a goalless stalemate.
The result coupled with Nigeria’s 1-0 win over Kenya sees Malawi in second place in Group F on six points while the draw for Namibia sees them on four points in third spot.
The Flames, though, will see it as a missed opportunity, especially as Nigeria scored late on against Kenya to take command of the pool.
It means Malawi will likely have to win their last two qualifiers, one of which is in Abuja.
Nigeria will be guests of Namibia next Wednesday, while Malawi will host Kenya in the continuation of qualifying for the 2014 World Cup.
