Nigeria qualifies for World Cup with 4-1 aggregate win over Ethiopia in playoff

CALABAR, Nigeria – Nigeria became the first African team to qualify for the World Cup with a 2-0 win over Ethiopia in the second leg of their playoff Saturday for a 4-1 aggregate victory.

Victor Moses converted a 20th-minute penalty after an Ethiopian handball, and Victor Obinna scored in the 82nd minute to send the African champion to Brazil. Ethiopia had been trying to reach its first World Cup after emerging as the surprise team of the African qualifying campaign.

Five teams will represent Africa at next year’s tournament in Brazil.

Didier Drogba’s Ivory Coast plays Senegal in the decisive leg of their playoff later on Saturday in neutral Morocco. Ivory Coast won the first leg 3-1.

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