A draw was enough to see South Korea through in second place in Group B against an unlucky Nigeria side that turned in its best performance of the competition but still became another African side not to progress to the last 16.
The Nigerians took a shock lead on 12 minutes when Kalu Uche beat defender Cha Du-ri to turn home a low centre by raiding right back Chidi Odiah.
The power and pace of Yakubu and the touch of Kanu up front, and the pace of winger Chinedu Obasi, were now posing problems for Korea. On 35, Kanu linked well with Uche and the striker came close to a second when his daisy-cutter struck a post.
It was a let off for Korea and the Nigerians' frustration was doubled just three minutes later when Ki Sung-yong's superb inswinging delivery from a free-kick was prodded to the net from close range by Lee Jung-soo.
Then, three minutes into the second half, a Chu-young freekick curled past Enyeama to put the Asian side firmly in the driving seat, and a rocket shot from the same player fizzed just wide minutes later.
Korea were comfortable for a spell thereafter but on 69, Yakubu fluffed his lines when presented with an open goal, only to make amends a minute later when Kim Nam-Il brought down Obasi and the ref gave the penalty for the Everton man to convert.
It was the signal for high drama. With Greece losing against Argentina by then, one more goal for Nigeria would have put them through. The Eagles piled forward, with Korea visibly tiring, and in the 89th minute it looked like the unlikely had happened, only for Victor Obina's wicked drive from the edge of the area to whistle past the right hand post after a great break from defence. A minute later the same player lashed another just wide from even further out, and Nigeria's World Cup was over.