Nigeria on Saturday became the first African nation to qualify for the 2014 World Cup after beating Ethiopia 2-0 at the U. J. Esuene Stadium in Calabar.

Victor Moses and substitute Obinna Nsofor netted either side of the break for the African champions, who advanced 4-1 on aggregate following their 2-1 victory in Addis Ababa on October 13.Nigeria controlled the game from the opening minutes with Emmanuel Emenike and Moses forcing Sisay Bancha to make a few saves inside the opening 10 minutes.The Super Eagles continued to threaten but failed to score, until Moses calmed the nerves of the yearning fans after putting Nigeria ahead from the spot in the 20th minute, after Aynalem Hailu was adjudged to have handled the ball inside the Ethiopian box.

Moses, however, picked up a yellow card for taking off his shirt while celebrating the goal.

Onazi tested Bancha with a shot from off the box in the 42nd minute, but Ideye had little time to compose himself before blasting the rebound over the bar, as Nigeria held unto their lead going into the break.

Ethiopia resumed the second half with more determination, as they dominated possession in the opening minutes.

The Walya Antelopes were however unable to create any reasonable goalscoring chance.

Getaneh Kebede almost came into a one-on-one situation with Enyeama in the 54th minute, but former Enyimba goaltender rushed forward to gather the ball.

Kenneth Omeruo had to be substituted for Azubuike Egwuekwe in the 68th minute after picking up an injury.

Nsofor came on for Moses in the 78th minute, and doubled Nigeria’s lead with a direct free kick four minutes later, to seal Nigeria’s qualification for next year’s showpiece in Brazil.