Veteran striker Kanu came on as a Nigerian substitute
Nigeria kept themselves in the race for a place at the 2010 World Cup with a 0-0 draw against Tunisia in Group B.
In the same group, Kenya secured their first points of the final round of 2010 qualifying.
The Super Eagles played a tough match in front of a hostile crowd in Rades, but the Carthage Eagles failed to take advantage.
They created chances but could not convert them in the face of stiff Nigerian defence.
Whilst Nigeria too failed to score they created chances and looked more incisive as the match wore on.
Late substitutes Kanu and John Utaka especially had an impact as the hosts tired.
Tunisia now top the group by two points from Nigeria, who will host the Carthage Eagles in the next round of matches in September.
Kenya meanwhile were hosting Mozambique, who had held Nigeria to a draw earlier in the campaign.
An exciting match ended 2-1 in favour of the home team.
Kenya got the best start possible when Julius Owino struck in the tenth minute.
The home team could have extended their lead just after half-time.
Kenya registered their first points with a win over Mozambique
Instead, Mozambique broke out of defence and Domingues finished off a flowing move to equalise after the Kenya keeper fumbled a clearance.
That gave the Mambas hope and deflated the home side, but Kenya retook the lead through Mcdonald Mariga from the penalty spot.
They then held on despite determined Mozambique pressure, including a shot over the bar from eight metres out in the dying moments of the game.
Kenya may be too far back in the group to have realistic hopes of making South Africa, but at least they are in contention for a spot at the Nations Cup in Angola 2010.
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