Nigeria 2-0 Malawi: Emenike and Moses give Eagles playoff ticket

The African champions saw off the challenge of the Flames to earn passage into the final stage of qualification for next year's World Cup

Nigeria earned passage into the final round of CAF qualification for World Cup 2014 with a 2-0 victory over Malawi in Calabar on Saturday.

The Super Eagles were helped by goals from returnee striker Emmanuel Emenika and a penalty from attacker Victor Moses.

The game began on a very competitive note with Liverpool loan signing Moses and Ahmed Musa tormenting the James Sangala-anchored Malawian defense. As early as the second minute, Limbikani Mzava was booked for a rough challenge on Moses who was on a goal-bound move.

In the 11th minute, Musa saw his opportunity declared offside after he got a well-tailored cross from John Obi Mikel. Minutes later, Ogenyi Onazi's shot went just wide as Stephen Keshi's men continued their search of the early goal.

Malawi shot-stopper Simplex Nthara repaid the faith shown in him by Tom Saintfiet to start the game with a brilliant save off the boot of Efe Ambrose followed by another super effort in the 26th minute.

As the first half petered out, Emenike put Nigeria ahead with a very cool finish off a pinpoint cross from Onazi. Despite resolute defending from the Malawians, they allowed the Fenerbahce striker to sneak in and chip the ball past Simplex to calm the nerves of the hosts.

In the early minutes of the second half, Musa failed to double Nigeria’s lead after missing a one-on-one opportunity with the goalkeeper, who gathered safely to keep the Flames in the game. Shortly afterwards Emenike was denied by Simplex again.

The Eagles, however, put the game beyond the reach of the Malawians in the 51st minute after Brescia forward Nnamdi Oduamadi was forcefully brought down by Flames skipper James Sangala. Moses struck the resultant penalty past Simplex to give the Eagles a comfortable lead.

A few minutes later, the visitors were reduced to 10 men after Limbikani Mzava was sent off for a second yellow to compound Malawi's misery.

With this result, Nigeria is now through to the final playoff round of World Cup 2014 qualification and will know its opponent when the draw is made in a few days.