Late goals see France through to the quarter-finals
Nigeria were eliminated by a late Paul Pogba header 11 minutes from the end of the match and, heartbreakingly, an own goal from veteran Joseph Yobo in the dying minutes of the match.
Going into the match, France were heavy favourites to move on to the quarter-finals, but it was the Nigerians who were the more vibrant side.
It was only when the influential Nigerian midfielder Ogenyi Onazi was carried off the field injured following a late tackle by from his French opponent Blaise Matuidi did the game truly swing France's way.
Their increased pressure on the Nigerian goal paid off in the 79th minute.
Nigerian goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama, who had been having a stellar game, flapped at a French corner and Pogba was there at the far post to head the ball into the net.
Any hopes of a Nigerian comeback were thwarted when veteran defender Joseph Yobo turned a low cross into his own net to seal his team's fate.
Unfortunately that turned to be Yobo's last meaningful contribution to Nigeria's national team as he announced his retirement from international football after the match.
France will meet Germany in the quarter-finals on July 5.
Source: Reuters
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