There were neither flags nor vuvuzelas, just plenty of tension back home as disappointed Nigerian fans watched their side lose to Argentina in their opening World Cup match in South Africa on Saturday.

Street hawkers, politicians and mothers sat side-by-side to watch the Super Eagles at TV screens mounted by a roadside eatery in Lagos' working-class suburb of Surulere.

Fans blamed the players for failing to play together, but despite the loss, they tried to remain positive.

"It could be a good beginning, we only hope they learn their mistakes and correct them. There is hope, the football is still round," said Nnamdi Achusim, a Stockholm-based Nigerian, who watched the match with dozens of other fans in tarpaulin-roofed sheds.

"We have the players but they are not a team," he added.

A header from Argentina's Gabriel Heinze in the sixth minute gave Argentina victory, but Nigeria were lucky not to concede many more goals as the South Americans dominated the game in Port Elizabeth.

Jude Achi, a motor vehicle spares dealer, said Nigeria's heroic goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama and his teammates deserved credit.

"There were predictions Argentina would beat us 5-0 but we ended with a 1-0 defeat, that was not bad at all. It was a good game and hopefully we will win the next match," he said.

Emmanual Umorem, an aspiring lawmaker in next year's elections for the oil-producing Akwa Ibom state, said he was confident "Nigeria is going to survive" in Group B, which also includes South Korea and Greece.

"A journey of a thousand miles began with a small step, we are going to make it by God's grace," he said.

Israel Johnson, a builder, also bubbled with confidence.

"Argentina is a very strong team, no doubt about that, but I am confident Nigeria will emerge first or second in Group B.

"Nigeria is a giant in Africa, we have the strength, the knowledge and the power," said Johnson.

But a drum that had been brought out in anticipation of a celebratory dance, was quickly put away after the final whistle.

Perhaps it can be used after Nigeria's next game against Greece in Bloemfontein on Thursday.

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