Nigeria striker Peter Odemwingie said Monday's 1-0 win over Ghana in the African Nations Cup proved a point for the World Cup's also-rans.

Nigeria had a score to settle with their fellow west Africans, who have qualified for their first World Cup while Odemwingie's side unexpectedly missed out on a ticket to Germany.

"We've got something to prove -- that teams who are not going to the World Cup can beat the ones who are," he told reporters after the Group D win.

The Lille striker also pointed up Cameroon's victory over Angola, which was followed by DR Congo's win over Togo.

Odemwingie was happy enough with his side's display, which was rounded off by left back Taye Taiwo's fierce 85th minute winner from a free kick.

"We lacked a little something in our game because we hadn't been able to play a friendly with this team as all the players' clubs had wanted to hold on to their players," he said.

"We're happy, though. Getting three points against Ghana is a good start...and I think we'll be much better in the next game (against Zimbabwe).

"But we're not going to under-rate anybody. We've learned from our mistakes.

"This is really important for the team's confidence and morale. It was tough and it was a special game because it was a derby with 40 years of history behind it. The whole country will be pleased with that."

As for the Brazilian-style winning strike, he said: "It was a great goal....he's our Roberto Carlos."