MOSES ON TARGET AS NIGERIA BOOK WORLD CUP PLACE

Victor Moses scored a penalty as Nigeria secured their place at next summer’s World Cup finals courtesy of a 2-0 second leg play-off win over Ethiopia, the Super Eagles progressing 4-1 on aggregate.

The Chelsea winger, currently on loan at Liverpool, opened the scoring in the 20th minute from the spot following a Aynalem Hailu handball.

John Mikel Obi and Kenneth Omeruo both started for the hosts, who went into the game with a slender advantage following a narrow 2-1 first-leg victory, with Mikel playing the full 90 minutes.

Nigeria were the more threatening side during the opening 45 minutes and, shortly after breaking the deadlock, Moses went close to extending their advantage with a stunning strike from distance which was well saved by Sesay Basa.

With the visitors needing two goals in order to force extra-time, the onus was on Ethiopia after the break, but while they enjoyed plenty of possession, they lacked the quality in the final third to penetrate the Nigeria back four.

Omeruo, making his first start for the national side following a prolonged absence, was replaced with 22 minutes left on the clock, but the youngster will have been satisfied with his display.

As the game edged towards its conclusion, Moses was then withdrawn, replaced by Victor Obinna, who put the game to bed late on with a looping strike.

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