miaowang123: through all the protocols," Sn

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CUIABA, Brazil -- Nigeria ended a 16-year wait for a victory in a World Cup match Saturday, beating Bosnia-Herzegovina 1-0 courtesy of Peter Odemwingies first-half goal and knocking the tournament newcomers out of contention. www.seattlefootballshop.com/87-Jersey  . Only a point is needed by Nigeria from its last Group F game -- against already-qualified Argentina -- to reach the knockout stage after Odemwingie finished from close range in the 29th minute following one of many powerful runs by his strike partner Emmanuel Emenike. Playing hours after Ghanas plucky 2-2 draw with Germany, Nigeria gave African football another lift following its continents inauspicious start to the tournament. Prior to Saturday, the five African teams had claimed just one win and a draw in seven matches in Brazil. "Its something awesome for Africa," said Nigeria goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama, who tipped Edin Dzekos shot onto the post in the final few seconds to preserve the win. "Africa needed that win, something to boost the confidence back home." The Bosnians are sure to go home after the group stage, and will wonder if things may have gone differently had Dzekos goal in the 21st minute not been ruled out for offside. Replays appeared to show the officials may have got the call wrong. "The referee was shameful for this competition," Dzeko said. But Nigeria deserved its win, with Emenike causing all sorts of problems for Bosnia-Herzegovinas defence with his strength and direct running in energy-sapping conditions in the western Brazilian city of Cuiaba. At the other end, the experienced Joseph Yobo was back as captain and marshalled the defence in his 99th international game. Dzeko and the Bosnians technical midfielders carved out few clear-cut opportunities. "They surprised us with their speed and movement," Bosnia-Herzegovina coach Safet Susic said. "They wanted to win probably that much more than us." There was added motivation for Keshis team, which was seeking to boost the spirits of Nigerians in the wake of a suicide bombing attack at a World Cup viewing site in the northeast of their country. At least 14 people died in the blast. After weathering a bright start by the Bosnians, Nigeria went ahead when Emenike powered past the tame challenge of Bosnia defender Emir Spahic, charged down the right flank and crossed for Odemwingie, who shot first-time through the legs of goalkeeper Asmir Begovic -- his teammate at English club Stoke. Odemwingie is back in the World Cup squad after two years away from the national team following a falling-out with Keshi, and he was starting after an impressive cameo as a substitute in the 0-0 draw with Iran. "I couldnt dream of a better comeback in a tournament like the World Cup," Odemwingie said. "I have had to start building from scratch. Everyone had faith in me." After the goal, Nigeria dominated and only a slew of smart saves by Begovic, who denied Michael Babatunde and Emenike, prevented the African champions from going further ahead. Dzeko -- compared with Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar by Susic in the build-up to the match -- had a disappointing night, with his finishing off-key and control poor at times. When he did find the target, he was either denied by the officials or by that late, brilliant save from Enyeama. The Bosnians have one game left, against Iran on Wednesday, to try to end their debut World Cup with at least a point to show for their efforts. www.seattlefootballshop.com/83-Jersey  .com) - Cleveland Cavaliers superstar LeBron James will sit out Thursdays game against the Oklahoma City Thunder with left knee soreness. www.seattlefootballshop.com/49-Jersey  . He was with the New York Jets in 2011 when the NFL locked out their players after they failed to agree on a new contract. Willy went undrafted but was given a look by four NFL teams before heading north.FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. - The Atlanta Falcons returned from their bye week Tuesday with big holes to fill on offence. Running back Steven Jackson was only an observer and wide receiver Roddy White and left tackle Sam Baker were not on the field for the portion of the practice open to reporters. White, already slowed by a right ankle sprain, left the Falcons 30-28 loss to the New York Jets on Oct. 7 with a hamstring injury. Leading receiver Julio Jones hurt his right foot in the game and will miss the remainder of the season. Harry Douglas, Kevin Cone and Drew Davis could be Atlantas top three receivers against Tampa Bay on Sunday. Brian Robiskie, who signed last week, had extra work with quarterback Matt Ryan Tuesday. Offensive co-ordinator Dirk Koetter said he must tweak the offence to fit the strengths of the fill-ins. "With Julio definitely out and Roddy may or may not be out, those are two of the best players in the NFL," Koetter said. "Are those (backup) guys going to be as good? Thats an obvious question and answer." The injuries have added more gloom to the Falcons 1-4 start. Atlanta will take a three-game losing streak into Sundays game. "Were in a difficult streak with injuries right now, but I think as coaches we look at it as a challenge," Koetter said. "No one thinks you have a chance right now, so lets try to figure out a way to get this done." Koetter said it is a "no-brainer" that tight end Tony Gonzalez could become quarterback Matt Ryans top target. Gonzalez, 37, has 22 catches for 246 yards and two touchdowns the last two weeks. If Gonzalez receives extra defensive attention from the Buccaneers, Douglas and other receivers must take advantage of one-on-one coverages. "Those guys have to do the best they can and weve got to play to their strengths and work with the guys we have," Koetter said. "Weve still got a great quarterback. Weve still got a great tiight end. www.seattlefootballshop.com/45-Jersey . Weve still got excellent running backs. It just changes the way you attack a little bit." Douglas has been a complement to Jones and White the last two seasons and has never been asked to be the teams No. 1 receiver. That could change this week, especially if Tampa Bay focuses its defence on Gonzalez. "Im the kind of player, Im not selfish at all," Douglas said. "Im here to do whatever Im asked to do. If that is to be a No. 1, Ive got to step up and be a No. 1. ... I dont shy away from anything." Douglas said players have remained positive through the stretch of losses and injuries. "Weve got to do what weve got to do to stay close as a team so we can turn this thing around," Douglas said. "You cant moan and complain. You cant point fingers. And thats one thing we do a great job of. Weve owned up to the mistakes weve made in games. Now we just have to turn the ship around." Baker missed the game against the Jets with a knee injury. The good news for Atlanta on Tuesday was the return of running back Jason Snelling from a concussion. Snelling and Jacquizz Rodgers would continue to share time if Jackson misses his fourth straight game with a hamstring injury. The bye week gave Snelling time to clear the NFLs concussion protocol. The Falcons worked without pads on Tuesday. Coach Mike Smith said Snelling also will be cleared for contact drills on Wednesday. "I had to take my time to get right and go through all the protocols," Snelling said. "It felt good to be out there with my team again." The defence is missing linebackers Akeem Dent (ankle) and Sean Weatherspoon (foot). Dent, who didnt play against the Jets, did not participate in the open portion of Tuesdays practice. Weatherspoon must miss at least five more games. Earlier in the season, starting fullback Bradie Ewing and defensive end Kroy Biermann were placed on injured reserve. ' ' '