In the early stages Nigeria surprisingly controlled possession, with France at their most dangerous on the counter-attack.
The African side thought that they had taken the lead in the 19th minute when Ahmed Musa's low cross was prodded home at the near post by Emmanuel Emenike, but the flag rightly went up for offside.
Minutes later France had their clearest opening of the first half through Paul Pogba, who charged upfield, fed Mathieu Valbuena on the wing and then pinged a volley goalwards that was beaten out by Vincent Enyeama.
After a stop-start opening to the second half, Peter Odemwingie threatened to put Nigeria in front with a stinging low drive from outside the area that Hugo Lloris got down to keep out.
France then had a dominant 10-minute spell that finally resulted in the winning goal.
First, Karim Benzema exchanged passes with Antoine Griezmann before his strike at goal was cleared off the line by Victor Moses.
Yohan Cabaye went even closer moments later when he rifled an effort against the underside of the bar from the right of the penalty box.
Les Bleus' pressure would pay off soon though when Pogba headed into an unguarded net after Enyeama had parried a corner his way.
Griezmann then forced Enyeama into an acrobatic save before playing a part in the goal that sealed victory in injury time.
He appeared to poke home a Valbuena cross, but it was in fact Joseph Yobo who got the final touch for an own goal.
Didier Deschamps's side will next face either Germany or Algeria in the first quarter-final on Friday afternoon.
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