Kanu, (l), hit the woodwork

A lacklustre Nigeria overcame Venezuela in an international friendly match in London on Saturday.

Despite the fact that the Super Eagles fielded most of their England-based stars, less than 1,000 people turned up to watch the game at the home of first division side Watford.

At times the standard of football on display was not deserving of much support.

The only goal of the match came in the eighth minute from the boot of captain Jay-Jay Okocha.

An unmarked Okocha drilled home from the edge of the box after Benedict Akwuegbu had outpowered the Venezuelan defence to set up his team mate.

At that stage it was one way traffic with Nigeria looking as though they would score many more.

Just three minutes later Akwuegbu should really have doubled Nigeria's advantage but he headed wide from John Utaka's right wing cross.

The former African champions continued to dominate the South Americans and Akwuegbu had another shot turned away by the goalkeeper Ricardo Angelucci.

On the few occasions that Venezuela did break through a suspect-looking Nigerian defence, the impressive Joseph Yobo of Everton showed his class and tidied up for the Super Eagles.

Nigeria came close to extending their lead just 12 minutes into the second half when Nwankwo Kanu hit the woodwork with a curling 12-yard shot.

Venezuela were restricted largely to long-range drives as they kept meticulously to their short passing game.

They almost had their reward in the 73rd minute when Nigerian goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama spilled a long-range free kick but the ball went behind for a corner.

If that was lucky then the Super Eagles number one had further fortune just seconds later as Venezuelan right back Luis Ballenella struck a fierce shot against the post.