Title favorites Nigeria edged Japan 2-1 in the second round of Group B at the Olympic men's soccer in Tianjin on Sunday.

Nigeria took the big step towards the quarterfinals while Japan, with no points in its first two matches, was eliminated with one game left to play.

Forward Victor Obinna Nsofor put Nigeria ahead in the 58th minute when he played a one-two with striking partner Osaze Odemwingie in the box before steering the ball into the net.

Nsofor's striking partner Victor Anichebe added the second in the 74th minute when he shot home a cross in a counterattack.

Japan pulled one back in the 79th minute when forward Yohei Toyoda cut into the box and fired a low shot to beat goalkeeper Ambruse Vanzekin.

Before this match, the Nigerian, holding a goalless draw with title favorite the Netherlands, aspired for its first victory while the Japanese needed three points to survive the tournament.

After a fairly even start, Nigeria defender Chibuzor Okonkwo was booked in the 16th minute following his diving in the box in a counterattack.

Odemwingie waste a good chance in the 30th minute when he shot over from very close range off a cross from Captain Isaac Promise.

Japan's best chance came in the 32nd minute when Hiroyuki Taniguchi's low shot from just five meters was incredibly collected by goalkeeper Ambruse Vanzekin.

Defender Hajime Hosogai was booked in the 57th minute after he stopped Nigeria's attack by pulling the shirt of Promise Isaac.

Nigeria shocked the whole world at the Olympics in 1996 when it became the first African country to win the football tournament's gold medal after beating Brazil and Argentina. Since then, the country has not come near getting to such height in subsequent competitions.

In next round of Group B on August 13, the Netherlands will meet Japan while the US will face Nigeria.

(Xinhua News Agency August 10, 2008)