Argentina claimed a 1-0 win over Nigeria in World Cup Group B, but they could have had a lot more than Gabriel Heinze’s sixth minute header to show for their superior creativity.

Heinze turned in a Juan Sebatian Veron corner to give his side a victory which could easily have been more convincing as the Albicelestes carved out a number of opportunities agaist a resilient Super Eagles outfit.

Argentina began as expected, with Jonas Gutierrez at right-back and with a very attacking approach. Within the first 60 seconds Lionel Messi very nearly sent Carlos Tevez free, but the striker was just unable to get the ball out from under his feet.

Nigeria struck back though, and they had their first chance when Gutierrez misread the flight of a cross and Chinedu Obasi skipped past him, but his shot was well wide of Sergio Romero’s goal.

Video: Argentina 1-0 Nigeria

It was a lightning start, and the Albicelestes should have had the lead when Messi danced past three challengers before squaring for Gonzalo Higuain, but the Real Madrid forward somehow managed to sidefoot wide when it seemed easier to score.

Though the Super Eagles continued to keep Argentina honest at the back, the Albicelestes held out to give Diego Maradona a win on his debut as a coach at the World Cup.