Iran's 3-1 loss to Bosnia-Herzegovina in the group's other fixture was enough to see the Super Eagles make the second round of the tournament.
It took Argentina just two minutes to take the lead as Lionel Messi powered the ball into the net from close range after Angel di Maria's initial effort had come back off the post.
However, Nigeria got themselves level just one minute later when Ahmed Musa cut in from the left before curling the ball into the far corner.
Di Maria continued to be Argentina's most dangerous threat during the first half, as demonstrated by two further efforts that had Nigeria worried.
A strong opening 45 minutes for the South Americans was soured towards the end when Sergio Aguero was taken off with a possible leg strain, but they were able to go back in front in the first minute of stoppage time as Messi curled a superb free kick into the top corner.
Nigeria enjoyed a strong start to the second period, and they were rewarded on 48 minutes thanks to Musa's calm finish past Sergio Romero after being played through on goal.
As the Africans celebrated their equaliser, Argentina got their noses in front once again just three minutes later as Marcos Rojo bundled the ball home from a corner.
Nigeria came close to an equaliser on 73 minutes when Musa volleyed over the crossbar before substitute Ezequiel Lavezzi was denied at the other end.
The Super Eagles pushed hard for an equaliser late on, but it mattered little as Iran's defeat to Bosnia-Herzegovina was enough to see them through.
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