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| Photo by Pius Utomi Ekpei |
The first African team to qualify for the 2014 FIFA World Cup finals would be decided today in Calabar. Hosts Nigeria welcomed Ethiopia to town for the second leg of their playoff with Nigeria nursing a 2-1 lead. A long throw-in from Ahmed Musa caught Ethiopia napping after having cleared away his solo run. Emmanuel Emenike was open in the box and shot off the half volley, but Ethiopia goalkeeper Sisay Bancha made a reaction save. A handball was called against Aynalem Hailu in his own box even though the ball first struck his stomach before bouncing onto his arm. Nigeria converted the penalty kick to take a 1-0 lead. A fine cross to the back post by Ogenyi Onazi gave the Super Eagles a golden chance at their second goal, but Brown Ideye knocked a header just wide from six yards out. Nigeria took the 1-0 lead with them into their locker room.
Onazi created a chance from the half circle by shimmying to drop his marker Asrat Gobena, but again Banca made the save. A late free kick from Victor Obinna knuckled and ate up Bancha, going in right over his head. This goal sealed the match and the series for the Super Eagles. Nigeria win 2-0 on the night and 4-1 on aggregate and have now secured their place at Brasil 2014. Ethiopia are eliminated.
Goals
Nigeria
Victor Moses 20 PK (pictured, green)
Victor Obinna 82
Match Reports:
http://espnfc.com/us/en/report/381875/report.html?soccernet=true&cc=5901
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/news/newsid=2224823/index.html?intcmp=newsreader_news_caption
Highlights:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqD_X-rPMJA
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