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CALABAR, Nigeria — Nigeria qualified for the World Cup on Saturday, continuing an outstanding year for the African champion after it claimed the continental title for the first time in nearly two decades. Gio Urshela Jersey . Nigeria beat surprise package Ethiopia 2-0 in the second leg of their playoff for a comfortable 4-1 aggregate victory. Victor Moses converted a 20th-minute penalty after an Ethiopian handball, and Victor Obinna made certain of Nigerias place in Brazil with his powerful free kick in the 82nd at UJ Esuene Stadium. Its the teams second straight World Cup. „President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan heartily congratulates the Super Eagles of Nigeria,“ a statement from the Nigerian leaders office said. While Nigeria sealed a place at its fifth World Cup out of the last six, Ethiopia was trying to qualify for the first time after unexpectedly reaching the playoffs ahead of 2010 host South Africa. But trailing 2-1 from its home leg, Ethiopia gave away an early penalty when Aynalem Hailu was penalized inside 20 minutes after the ball bounced up off his chest and hit his arm. Moses slotted the spot kick and Obinna scored with eight minutes to go and soon after arriving as a substitute. Nigeria claimed the first of five African places at next years tournament, and was followed by Ivory Coast later on Saturday. Africas top-ranked team beat Senegal 4-2 on aggregate after falling behind and then scoring right at the death for a 1-1 draw in the decisive leg of their playoff in neutral Morocco. In the three remaining African playoffs, Cameroon and Tunisia are level after a 0-0 draw in Tunisia and Burkina Faso leads Algeria 3-2 ahead of their second-leg games on Sunday. Burkina Faso is also seeking to make its World Cup debut. Egypt hosts Ghana on Tuesday needing a major upset to reach the World Cup for the first time since 1990 after Ghana won the first leg 6-1. If Cameroon, Algeria and Ghana also qualify, Africa will be represented by the same five teams that made it to South Africas World Cup. Andy Pettitte Jersey . – The Detroit Lions have placed tight end Brandon Pettigrew on injured reserve, ending his season. Don Mattingly Jersey . Sterling was banned for life and fined US$2.5 million by the NBA on Tuesday for racist comments the league says he made in a recorded conversation. Nash, who plays for the rival L.A. Lakers, spoke as a representative of current NBA players at a press conference assembled by Sacramento mayor and National Basketball Players Association adviser Kevin Johnson.Nik Lewis time in Calgary may be coming to a close. The veteran slotback, who has a year left on his contract, tweeted that it may be his last season with the Stampeders. “I must be in the dog house because they told me they wasnt interested in signing me. Looks like Ill be on recruiting visits this yr,” Lewis tweeted. Lewiis did say that hell be in camp in the summer as hes under contract. CC Sabathia Jersey. The 32-year-old had last season cut short due to injury. He had 32 catches for 400 yards and three touchdowns in seven games. For his career, Lewis has 768 receptions for 10,873 yards and 65 touchdowns in 10 seasons, all with the Stampeders. ‚ ‚ ‚