Nigeria Beat South Africa 2 - 0 To Win Mandela Challenge

Penalty box predator Uche Nwofor has used the Nelson Mandela Challenge clash to announce his arrival on the world stage after netting a brace in the 2 - 0 victory over South Africa on Wednesday evening in Durban.

Despite VVV Venlo's relegation to the Jupiler League , the Nigeria handlers took note of Nwofor's outstanding contribution last season and handed him a call up for the exhibition game with Bafana Bafana.

The first half started slowly with both teams trying to size each other up in the great atmosphere at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.

But the Super Eagles later came out of their nests and began to take control of the match.

Academica's John Ogu showed his class with his trademark shots from distance but was unlucky not to open scoring while Victor Obinna's shot just after the half hour mark caused problems for the South Africa defense.

South Africa's best chance came three minutes before the interval. Tokelo Rantie was allowed too much space in the box but his shot hit the side netting.

With the scoreline reading 0 - 0 at the end of the first half, Stephen Keshi introduced Uche Nwofor, Victor Moses and Ahmed Musa after the interval.

It was an inspired substitution by the manager. Four minutes later Uche Nwofor, with an audacious back-heel, struck to finally break the deadlock. Another substitute Victor Moses was involved in the build up to the goal.

Nigeria secured the win with 22 minutes remaining as Nwofor got on the end of a low cross from ex VVV Venlo teammate Ahmed Musa to score from close range.

Next it is serious business for manager Stephen Keshi and his charges. On September 7, they face Malawi in a World Cup qualifier in Calabar .