Africa’s stock at the Brazil 2014 World Cup rose this after Nigeria booked a place in the Round of 16 for the first time since 1998.

Though the Super Eagles narrowly lost 2-3 to Argentina in their final Group F match decided at the Estadio Beira-Rio in Porto Alegre, the country pulled through, having finished runners-up behind Argentina. Bosnia-Herzegovina, which beat Iran 3-1 in the other match in the group, ended up with three points while Iran would be going home with the solitary point arising from the goalless draw with Nigeria in their opening match of the tournament.

The Nigeria-Argentina lived up to its billing, with goals coming as early as the third minute off the boots of Lionel Messi. Nigeria replied the very next minute through Ahmed Musa.

Just when the half appeared destined to end one-all, Messi’s ingenuity determined otherwise, as he picked himself up after being fouled close to the vital area by Ogenyi Onazi to stab home the free kick on the dot of 45 minutes.

Musa struck again, two minutes on the restart but Rojo restored Argentina’s lead three minutes later after nodding home a corner from the left.

While Cameroon and Ivory Coast have crashed out of the championship, Africa’s two other representatives, Ghana and Algeria, are still in contention to make the Round of 16.

•Photo shows two-goal scorer Ahmed Musa and teammates celebrating one of his goals against Argentina . . . this evening at the Estadio Beira-Rio in Porto Alegre, Brazil.