Nigeria`s under-20 held defending champion Brazil to a lacklustre 0-0 draw in the opening Group F encounter at the World Youth Championship on Sunday.
The Brazilians complained that a disallowed goal should have given them victory, however.
Gladstone shoved the ball over the line in a goalmouth scramble in the 25th minute, but referee Luis Cantalejo ruled the Brazilian had fouled Nigeria goalkeeper Ambruse Vanzekin in the process.
"The player thought the goal should stand," Brazil coach Rene Weber said.
The defending champions failed to sparkle and had to rely on a stunning reaction save from Renan on a header from substitute Chenedu Ogbuke in the 64th minute to safeguard a point.
Nigeria showed more grit and Promise Isaac and Hertha Berlin`s Soloman Okoronkwo shone while Brazil`s attack faltered with
striker Diego Tardelli left frustrated.
The Sao Paolo striker had a couple of late chances but Vanzekin proved as good as Renan.
From the start, Nigeria stuffed its midfield to deny the Brazilians the chance to show off their skills, and torrential rain made play more difficult as the ball skid in all directions.
"The rain made it very tough to control the ball," Nigeria coach Samson Siasia said.
The match had been billed as the blockbuster game of the opening round but it left the 8,500-sellout crowd in Emmen, which included FIFA president Sepp Blatter, disappointed.
"We are satisfied with result because Brazil is a great team.
"Now, our goal is to win the tournament," Siasia said.
The Nigerians will play their next match against South Korea on Wednesday.
