Two goals of the highest quality rescued a game pock-marked by sloppy passing, long balls and poor decision-making, especially from the Nigerians.
Prior to the match, Peter Dedevbo had talked about how his girls were good enough to win the trophy. On the basis of their showing against Mexico, they looked well short of world beaters.
And it was not for want of opportunities.
Asisat Oshoala had the first chance to open the scoring, after asking for, and receiving a slide rule ball in behind.
But she looked unbalanced as she snatched at her shot and watched it skim the side netting.
Mexico, more composed against the rushing aggression of the Nigerians, took the lead after dodgy Nigerian defending.
Goalkeeper Sandra Chichi sprinted out to deal with a dangerous cross, but only headed it into Fabiola Ibarra's path.
The Mexican had time to keep it down, then lob past the floundering Nigeria goalkeeper.
Equally atrocious defending also helped Nigeria draw level. But the strike lit up the sparsely-populated stadium.
Mexico struggled to clear an innocuous looking ball, and when it bubbled in front of Osaremen Igbinovia, she hit it first time and it sailed into the angle of the post.
There were to be no further goals after he break and both sides shared the spoils.
Earlier in the day, England and South Korea also drew 1-1, leaving the group with all to play for.