Emmanuel Emenike and Victor Moses were on target as Nigeria defeated Malawi 2 - 0 at the U. J. Esuene Stadium in Calabar to reach the play - off round of African World Cup qualifying.

Malawi needed a win to advance to the next stage of qualifiers but they suffered heartbeat just before the end of the first half, with Emmanuel Emenike's sublime finish after connecting a floated pass from Lazio's Eddy Onazi.

The referee pointed to the spot in the 50th minute when Nnamdi Oduamadi was fouled in the penalty box.

Liverpool new signing Victor Moses stepped up and aimed his penalty to the far corner which caught the Malawi goalkeeper in no man's land.

And that goal by Moses proved decisive as the fire in the Flames was extinguished and turned the match into a dead rubber.

The Super Eagles will know their opponents in the play - off round on September 16 in Cairo when the draw is conducted.

Ethiopia, Algeria, Ghana, Egypt and Ivory Coast are also through to the final round of qualifiers.