Nigeria win ticket to World Cup

Nigeria claimed the fifth and final African region spot for the 2002 World Cup finals, beating Ghana 3-0 yesterday to join Cameroon, Senegal, South Africa and Tunisia in next summer's tournament.

Victor Agali was the early hero for Nigeria, finding the net in the first minute of the match when he headed in a free-kick from Austin Okocha to put the Super Eagles on course for victory. Tijani Babangida followed with two more first-half goals, scoring in the 18th and 33rd minutes.

The victory ended the hopes of Liberia who were praying for a Nigeria loss or draw that would have allowed them their first World Cup finals berth.

In Luanda, Alfa netted a 27th-minute equaliser to give Togo a 1-1 draw with Angola after Akwa had put the home side ahead in the 25th minute.

Angola finished second with 13 points with Togo on nine.