Goals either side of half time helped Uruguay to a 2-1 victory over Nigeria in Group B of the Confederations Cup this evening.

The Copa America holders drew first blood in the 19th minute courtesy of a scrappy strike from Diego Lugano, who tapped home a loose ball after Edinson Cavani miskicked.

It took Nigeria until the 37th minute to respond, with Chelsea man Mikel John Obi going on a mazy run before curling one into the top corner.

The African champions were on top for the remainder of the first half, but fell behind early in the second thanks to a superb strike from Diego Forlan, who marked his 100th international cap with a screamer from inside the box.

Cavani almost killed the game off in the 74th minute, blazing the ball into the stand during a one-on-one situation with Nigeria goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama, but the miss would not prove decisive.

The result gives Uruguay a strong chance of reaching the semi-finals, with Tahiti their opponents in their final group game.