Argentina missed a host of chances as they edged past Nigeria 1-0 in their opening Group B game in South Africa thanks to an outstanding Gabriel Heinze header.

Diego Maradona's team played some good football at times with Lionel Messi superb, although the Barcelona forward, as well as Gonzalo Higuain, wasted several opportunities to extend their lead. Despite being outplayed for long periods and adopting a very cautious attitude, the Super Eagles rode their luck and almost grabbed an equaliser in the closing stages.

The only goal of the game came in the sixth minute after Messi's chip had been saved by excellent Nigeria goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama.

However, from the resulting corner, Heinze, completely unmarked on the penalty spot, did well to head the ball into the roof of the net.

As Argentina continued to dominate, Messi's curling 18th-minute effort was turned away by Enyeama, before Higuain was denied by Nigeria's shot-stopper although the Real Madrid star did fire his 10-yard effort straight at him.

Nigeria showed they should not be underestimated just before the half-hour mark when Chinedu Obasi dragged a shot across goal when he should really have hit the target. Seven minutes before half-time Messi conjured a chance for himself from a clever free-kick and his left-footed shot forced Enyeama to make another great save.

Argentina continued to create the better chances at the start of the second period and Juan Sebastian Veron's cross was almost turned into the net by Messi only for the ball to drift narrowly wide. In the 52nd minute there was almost a repeat of the goal as, from a corner, an unmarked Walter Samuel headed just over the bar.

Nigeria coach Lars Lagerback finally adopted a more positive approach for the final 30 minutes of the match and it almost paid dividends. Sani Kaita lifted a shot too high from a promising position before lively substitute Peter Odemwingie set up Taye Taiwo, whose low shot whistled inches wide with Sergio Romero beaten.

Maradona's team had chances to make the game safe though as the match opened up and a swift break by Carlos Tevez should have resulted in a second goal, only for Enyeama to once again deny Messi with a smart stop.

Nigeria pressed for an unlikely equaliser in the last 10 minutes with Romero having to beat away Obafemi Martins' fierce drive, before Yakubu crossed for substitute Kalu Uche, who appeared to be caught in two minds as he ballooned his shot over the bar.