Carney’s goal was a worthy winner of any game, picking up the ball 25 metres out, taking one touch and unleashing a swerving shot that gave Nigerian keeper Aiyenugba no chance.

“It set up nicely and I just whacked and thankfully it went in,” said Carney after the game.

With news overnight that target Dick Advocaat had pulled out of the running for the manager's job, the Australians could have been forgiven for feeling downcast, especially with key men Mark Viduka, Tim Cahill and Vince Grella sidelined through injury.

But they provided a bright display that belied their status as the 52nd-ranked nation in the world up against 19th-ranked Nigeria.

Nigeria goalkeeper Dele Aiyenuga was at his acrobatic best to keep the match scoreless at half-time, but their was nothing he could do to stop Sheffield United midfielder Carney's thunderous 53rd-minute strike - his first for his country.

Australia caretaker manager Rob Baan opted for an attacking formation with Nick Carle supporting strikers Scott McDonald and Harry Kewell.

Nigeria coach Berti Vogts did not include Everton forward Victor Anichebe in his squad, keeping the 19-year-old's options of appearing for England open.

In-form Celtic striker McDonald wasted the first opportunity of the game when he directed his close-range header wide of the goal following a pin-point Carney cross.

The Socceroos forced the first of a string of fine saves from Aiyenuga in the 20th minute when Brett Emerton curled a free-kick around the wall, which left the Super Eagles' shot-stopper sprawling at his near post to clear the danger.

Aiyenuga then made a fine double save to first deny Kewell and then McDonald as the Aussies continued to probe away at the Nigeria defence.

Nigeria had been lacking as an attacking force, but they almost took the lead after half an hour when Mark Schwarzer pushed Ayo Makinwa's close-range deflected effort on to the crossbar.

Aiyenuga was again called into action moments later with an acrobatic save to turn a long-range Nick Carle over the crossbar before Luke Wilkshire fired wide.

Nigeria showed their attacking potential as the half drew to a close with Osaze Odemwingie's low rasping drive forcing a smart save from Schwarzer.

The Socceroos were immediately on the front foot after the interval when Carney could only direct his shot straight at Aiyenuga from an acute angle.

Just minutes later, however, Carney scored his first Socceroos goal with an emphatic strike to send the mostly Australian crowd in to raptures.

Wilkshire's cross was only cleared as far as Carney, who took one touch before unleashing a superb 30-yard drive past Aiyenuga, who was left grasping at air.

Carle was then denied by a first class save by Aiyenugba, while Luke Wilkshire was just wide to a shot from the edge of the box.

Australia continued to dominate in the second half and Carney moving back into the left full back role in the second half was superb, while the midfield of Nick Carle, Carl Valeri and Harry Kewell in the hole were inventive and creating problems for the Nigerian defence.

Nigeria had its moments on the counter-attack, with one chance hitting the post, although Ache was offside in any case.

The Socceroos held on to their advantage to gain a confidence boost in their final friendly before their World Cup qualification bid begins in early February.