Shola Ameobi has admitted that Nigeria rode their luck at times as they beat World Cup debutants Bosnia-Hercegovina 1-0 in a crucial Group F encounter.
Peter Odemwingie’s first half strike handed Nigeria their first win at a World Cup finals since 1998.
The goal came just seven minutes after Bosnia striker Edin Dzeko had a goal incorrectly disallowed for offside.
Nigeria also survived a late scare in injury time.
“We probably rode our luck a bit but it was all about getting the three points and getting the job done”
Dzeko scuffed a shot which Nigeria goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama deflected onto the post and away to safety.
“We probably rode our luck a bit but it was all about getting the three points and getting the job done,” Ameobi said.
“In football you need a bit of that [luck] but kudos to the lads, they fought hard for this victory because Bosnia kept coming at us. We never doubted our own ability.
“Credit is due to the coaching staff and our fans too for their support after a difficult first game against Iran.”
Nigeria will reach the knockout stages if they get a point against Argentina on Wednesday, or if Iran fails to beat Bosnia.
Interestingly, the West Africans lost to Argentina at the 1994, 2002 and 2010 World Cups, but Ameobi is confident the Eagles can soar above the South Americans in Brazil.
“You don’t go into tournament thinking about past results,” he added.
“If we stay disciplined and maintain this growing confidence then we can do the business against Argentina.
“Things are getting better now. We are just taking it game by game, you don’t need to look too far ahead.
“The win against Bosnia is good but we don’t need to get carried away. We’ll just play our game on Wednesday and hopefully it will be good enough.”
The victory against Bosnia-Hercegovina is Stephen Keshi’s first win against European opposition since taking charge in November 2011.
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