A 1-0 friendly victory over the then African champions made it arguably the most satisfying result of Terry Venables' six-match unbeaten tenure as coach at that time.

In the opening twenty minutes the quality of the Nigerians' passing and intelligent use of the width of the Wembley pitch even surprised those who remembered that the visitors had come within a minute of knocking out eventual finalists Italy in the 1994 World Cup.

But captain David Platt's 24th goal in 50 internationals - a sensational scoring rate for a player usually deployed in midfield - brought a win that was just reward for England's overall performance.

Tim Flowers' saves denied Yekini and Amokachi - the latter quick to show glimpses of his World Cup class - in a difficult early period for the home team. Then came an England revival inspired by Dennis Wise, which was not checked when Robert Lee injured his left hand in a tumble as he attempted to convert Shearer's knock-down. Steve McManaman replaced him, winning his first cap, but it was Wise who continued to drive England forward.

The all-important goal arrived five minutes before half-time. Wise's free-kick caused consternation in the retreating Nigerian defence, eluding Neil Ruddock's leap but not Platt's.

The Sampdoria midfielder had the requisite yard of space in which to steer his header past an exposed Rufai. Now he had scored as many England goals as the great Geoff Hurst.

England kept up the pressure in the second half, Peter Beardsley shooting into the side-netting and Wise narrowly missing with a diving header. With the home side committed to attack, there was an occasional gap at the back that Nigeria sought to exploit. A late scare saw Flowers save brilliantly from Adepoju.

England: Flowers, Jones, Le Saux, Lee (McManaman), Howey, Ruddock, Platt (capt), Beardsley (Le Tissier), Shearer (Sheringham), Barnes, Wise

Let's hope that England can maintain their record against Nigeria in Osaka. Stay logged on to TheFA.com for all the latest news on the game.