Nigeria beat Algeria to finish third

Striker Obinna Nsofor's second-half goal gave Nigeria third place at the African Nations Cup after a 1-0 win over Algeria in the play-off yesterday.

It is the fourth time in the last five tournaments Nigeria have finished as bronze medallists at the African championship.

Nsofor barged through the Algeria defence after a botched clearance from Slimane Raho in the 55th minute to tuck away the only goal with a deft left-foot finish.

Nsofor had missed a good opportunity six minutes earlier when Algeria's goalkeeper failed to deal with a free-kick from Taye Taiwo and the ball bounced up for Nsofor to finish, but he managed to hit it into the ground and up against the bar.

Both teams head to the World Cup in South Africa later this year but Nigeria coach Shaibu Amodu's position is under threat after an unimpressive showing in Angola by the Super Eagles.