Nigeria secured third place at the African Nations Cup when Garba Lawal struck 11 minutes from time to earn a 1-0 win over Senegal in today’s play-off game.

Midfielder Lawal stole in at the far post to convert a cross from John Utaka to which Senegal goalkeeper Pape Mamadou Diouf could only get a slight touch.

A full-strength Nigeria missed a host of chances against a Senegal side who fielded several players who had not featured earlier in the tournament.

Obafemi Martins squandered the best opportunity after another centre from Utaka in the 66th minute, and defender Joseph Yobo should have done better from close range.

Nigeria also hit the crossbar with a rasping early free kick from defender Taye Taiwoo while Diouf made a good stop to deny teenage striker Obinna Nsofor.

Senegal came closest to a goal in the 25th minute when Guiranne Ndaw's cross brushed the bar.

Souleymane Camara gave Nigeria a scare 10 minutes before the interval when his angled effort narrowly missed the target while Diomansy Kamara was a constant menace with his darting runs into the penalty area.

The game marked the final international appearance for Nigeria captain Jay-Jay Okocha. Okocha, who missed much of the tournament through injury, was taken off to muted applause midway through the second half.

Nigeria have now finished third at three successive Nations Cups. Senegal, who suffered four defeats in six matches, had to settle for fourth place.