Nigeria could not make use of several clear-cut chances in the second half to draw 2-2 with South Korea and become the third African team to exit the World Cup from the first round. The Super Eagles grabbed an early opener through a goal from Ikechukwu Uche but Korea's Lee Jung-soo equalized seven minutes before halftime. Park Chu-Young gave Korea a precious lead early in the second half but Yakubu Ayegbeni, who astonishingly spurned a glorious opportunity two minutes earlier, drew Nigeria level from the penalty spot in the 69th minute. However, the Everton striker's goal was not enough to give Nigeria a last-16 berth for the first time since 1998. Argentina finished on top of Group B with maximum nine points after defeating Greece 2-0. Korea came second with four points, one ahead of third-placed Greece and three clear of bottom side Nigeria, who could only collect one point from three matches. Lars Lagerback's side followed in the footsteps of World Cup hosts South Africa and Cameroon, who also failed to reach the knockout phase. Korea wasted a chance to take the lead after two minutes when midfielder Lee Chung-Yong hit the side netting from close range after being played in by a through pass that evaded Nigeria's defense. Nigeria gained the upper hand afterwards and managed to open the scoring in the 12th minute. Full-back Chidi Odiah out-muscled his challenger on the right before providing a neat cross to Uche, who cut ahead of Cha Du-ri and fired home.
Yakubu could not hit an empty net Uche was unlucky not to score his second of the night on 36 minutes when his low drive struck the post. Yakubu Miss Although Nigeria were relatively better, Korea leveled the score two minutes later when a free kick found Jung-Soo unmarked at the far post to bundle the ball over the line. Korea went ahead four minutes after the restart to leave Nigeria with a mountain to climb. Chu-Young arrowed a free-kick that wrong-footed keeper Vincent Enyeama and found the net. Nigeria were guilty of missing golden goalscoring chances but the one that would definitely grab headlines came six minutes past the hour mark. Ayila Yussuf made a darting run into the penalty area from the left and squared the ball to Yakubu, who stabbed the ball wide with the goal gaping. He made amends shortly after when he converted a penalty after Chinedu Obasi was fouled by Kim Namil. Nigeria piled on pressure to notch a decisive goal but still lacked the cutting edge, with substitute Obafemi Martins shooting wide with the goal at his mercy ten minutes from time.
