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World Cup: Stephen Keshi says Nigeria's win over Bosnia is for Africa

Image: Peter Odemwingie celebrates after scoring against Bosnia

Stephen Keshi praised Nigeria following their 1-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina and dedicated the result to all of Africa.

The Super Eagles are now favourites to reach the last 16 alongside Argentina, who they face in their final Group F fixture, following their narrow success in Cuiaba.

Stoke striker Peter Odemwingie scored the only goal of the game when he converted from close range after Emmanuel Emenike out-muscled Emir Spahic on the right flank.

Bosnia had a goal incorrectly ruled out for offside in the first half and then saw Edin Dzeko hit the post in added time to crash out of the tournament.

And with West African neighbours Ivory Coast and Ghana also making a big impression in Brazil, Nigeria boss Keshi is determined to make sure his team are among the continent's representatives in the last 16.

He told FIFA.com: "Everybody is happy in West Africa; Ghana got their result (2-2 draw with Germany) and we won.

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"It's good for the continent.

"The fighting spirit we showed was good. I never thought that we wouldn't make the round of 16. I have the players.

"But look at Iran today, if it was not for Lionel Messi. We need to work hard for the game against Argentina."

Odemwingie, meanwhile, hopes to have silenced their critics after drawing 0-0 with Iran in their opening game, with only a draw now required against Argentina – should Iran defeat Bosnia – to advance.

“We had to work hard for this,” he told the BBC. “They are a quality team – they have fantastic players in midfield and Edin Dzeko.

“It was very difficult to get this three points but we are happy to bounce back after what our people thought was a poor performance in our first game.

“It was very important to win. Victories affect teams in positive ways, so from now on we are looking upwards.

“Hopefully this three points will get us through to the second round and after that anything can happen, we can be inspired.

“We will keep working hard and do our best.”

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