Veteran striker Abby Wambach grabbed the solitary strike with the last kick of the first half.
The 1999 World Champions qualified as Group winners, having accumulated 7 points from a possible 9, three ahead of Australia who drew one-all against Sweden.
Wambach was not in the starting lineup in the team's 0-0 draw against Sweden, but she quickly reminded everyone why she's long been the American's go to when they need a goal.
The 35-year-old got on the back end of a Megan Rapinoe corner kick and calmly volleyed it right past Nigerian goalkeeper Precious Dede.
In the eighth minute, Wambach headed a volley into the box to teammate Julie Johnstone, who converted to seemingly give the US an early lead, but the goal was disallowed for offside.
Nigeria were fortunate to not have been called for handling in the box late in the first half when Rapinoe attempted to play a ball in from the right wing,
The Yankees seemed energized after the break and had the better of play for the first 20 minutes of the second half. Alex Morgan was unlucky to be denied by Dede in the 62nd minute and was subbed off soon after for Sydney Leroux.
Leroux was fouled on a run just outside the box in the 70th minute by Nigeria's Sarah Nnodim, who received her second yellow card and was subsequently sent off.
The US were able to play out the final 20 minutes against a 10-woman Nigeria to secure first place in Group D.
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