England's World Cup opponents Nigeria boosted their preparations for the tournament with an impressive 2-1 win against the Republic of Ireland at Lansdowne Road.

The Africans, who play England in their final World Cup group game on 12th June, shattered Mick McCarthy's two-year unbeaten record on home soil with goals from rising star Julius Aghahowa and Crewe defender Efe Sodje.

19 year old Aghahowa, who plays for Shakhtar Donetsk in the Ukraine, confirmed the promise shown in last month's vicotry for Nigeria over Scotland at Hampden Park, where he scored both goals. He stunned the full house at Lansdowne Road after just 13 minutes, drilling in a shot from the edge of the penalty area after a through ball from Jay Jay Okocha.

Sodje scored the second immediately after the re-start, powering in an unchallenged header from Pius Ikedia's right wing corner.

Ireland pulled one back through Millwall's Steven Reid, who had only just been called into their squad after Mark Kennedy's injury, but Nigeria's defence held firm under sustained attack. Their goalkeeper Shorunmu made a series of fine saves, notably from David Connoly and Mark Kinsella, and the Nigerians will be well satisfied with their overall performance wth the World Cup just two weeks away.