Abby Wambach scored her 183rd international goal as the USA beat Nigeria 1-0 to qualify for the second round of the Women's World Cup on Tuesday.
The Americans dominated possession from the first whistle, and after a long spell of pressure, they came close to the opening goal when Wambach found Ali Krieger, who curled just past the post.
Megan Rapinoe then threatened with a clever piece of play to find space for a shot which forced Dede into a fine save.
Despite improving as the first half progressed, Nigeria were behind just before the break when Wambach arrived at the back post to volley home from Rapinoe's corner.
The US should have doubled their lead early in the second half when Alex Morgan sprinted clear of the Nigerian defence but chipped her effort straight at Dede, and she would be denied by the goalkeeper again later in the second half after meeting a Krieger cross.
Nigeria were dealt a blow when Sarah Nnodim was shown her second yellow card with 20 minutes remaining, and they were unable to cause any late problems for their rivals as the Americans secured their progress.
Callum Mulvihill
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