Nigeria defeat Rwanda to make next round

Nigerian defender Elderson Echiejile (R) fights for the ball with a Rwandan player. By Pius Utomi Ekpei (AFP)

CALABAR, Nigeria (AFP) - Nigeria advanced to the next round of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations after they defeated Rwanda 2-0 on aggregate Saturday.

The Super Eagles, who had drawn 0-0 in Kigali in the first leg in February, will move into the final round of qualifying in September and October for a place in the tournament proper early next year in South Africa.

Spain-based striker Ike Uche opened scoring for Nigeria after nine minutes when he fired home from inside the box.

CSKA Moscow winger Ahmed Musa doubled Nigeria's advantage on 56 minutes after he was set up on the edge of the 18-yard box by Enyimba striker Uche Kalu.

Rwanda goalkeeper Jean Claude Ndori pulled off a couple of saves as Nigeria tried to increase their lead with defender Eric Gasana also outstanding for the visitors.

Rwanda's best chance came in the 81st minute when striker Meddie Kagere's header from inside the box beat Nigeria goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama only to crash against the crossbar.