France 2: Pogba 80', Yobo (og) 90+2'
Nigeria 0
A lingering thigh problem proved enough to keep Mamadou Sakho out of France's Round of 16 matchup with Nigeria this afternoon, as the defender was left out of the starting eleven for the first time in Brazil. No word yet on how much time will be missed, but hopefully he'll be available for selection in Friday's quarterfinals.
As for the match itself, it was mostly back-and-forth in the first half despite France being expected to dominate. Nigeria had a Emmanuel Emenike goal ruled out for offside, while at the other end Paul Pogba's stunning volley was denied by Vincent Enyeama. Both sides again had chances in an action-packed second half, with Enyeama making a number of excellent saves. He was to blame for the winner, however, as he tipped a corner straight to Pogba, who beat his man and headed into an open net. Nigeria continued to press, but they couldn't find an equalizer and were eventually killed off by a Joseph Yobo own goal in stoppage time.
France will now play the winner of the Germany v. Algeria match, which takes place this afternoon.