WORLD CUP QUALIFIER: NAMIBIA 1-1 NIGERIA (FULL TIME)

Minnows Namibia held Nigeria to a 1-1 World Cup qualifying draw that landed a blow to the Super Eagles’ hopes of reaching the play-offs.


Malawi, who are two points behind the leaders.

It could have been worse for Stephen Keshi’s side, who trailed Hotto Kavendji’s 77th-minute volley before skipper Geoffrey Oboabona smashed in a late free-kick.

Nigeria actually had two escapes on Wednesday, as second-placed Malawi failed to beat Kenya at home earlier in the day.

Had they won, and Nigeria lost, Malawi would have been top heading into the decider.

World Cup qualifying for Africa has been changed this time out, with the winners of 10 four-team groups entering a two-legged play-off against each other.

With Malawi and Kenya having shared the points earlier in the day, a win for Nigeria would have guaranteed their progression from Group F, and ensured their safe passage into the CAF play-off round. Instead, they were unable to beat a side ranked 125^th in the world, and will now need to avoid defeat against the Flames in Calabar in order to advance.

The five play-off winners will qualify for the upcoming 2014 finals in Brazil.
Egypt, Tunisia and Ivory Coast are expected to win their groups but have two matches remaining.