WORLD CUP QUALIFIER: Nigeria 1-0 Kenya

Kenya's hopes of reaching 2014 World Cup final in Brazil were dashed on Wednesday after winger Ahmed Musa scored a late goal to silence Stars

Nigeria winger Ahmed Musa scored a late goal to dim Kenya's hopes of reaching the 2014 World Cup final to be held in Brazil after the Super Eagles won 1-0 at Kasarani on Wednesday .

Musa latched onto a through ball from John Obi Mikel to beat his marker David 'Cheche' Ochieng' before beautiful chipping the ball over the advancing goalkeeper Duncan Ochieng' in Kenyan goal.

The win now takes Nigeria back to the top of Group F with 8 points while Malawi are second on six after battling to a 0-0 draw with Namibia in a match played in Blantyre earlier on Wednesday.

Kenya, who were needing nothing sort of a win to keep alive their hopes of gracing the World Cup final, started the match badly with defender Brian Mandela almost handing the visitors a quick goal in the 1st minute of the match.

The South African-based defender failed to deal with a loose ball after restart allowing Nigerian striker Brian Ideye to charge forward but the Super Eagles star could not find the back of the net with keeper Ochieng' to beat.

The African champions continued to surge forward and in the 13th minute, Ahmed Musa watched helplessly as his well taken free-kick went inches wide. The game was restricted to Kenya's half as the Nigerians took comfort in passing the ball around.

However, Kenya started to pick up mid into the first half with Celtic midfielder and captain Victor Wanyama coming close twice the first with an acrobatic shot from a corner while the second was a shot inside the 18-yard area.

Kenya, who were missing suspended striker Dennis Oliech, looked blunt upfront with his replacement Kepha Aswani of Al Nasr in Oman, failing to command the attacks.

On resumption, Nigeria once again started positively with Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel, coming close with a rasping shot that narrowly avoided Duncan Ochieng's goal area.

Sensing danger, Kenya's assistant coach James Nandwa, who was on acting capacity since coach Adel Amrouche was serving his one match suspension, made changes resting the off colour Kepha Aswani for Ulinzi Stars striker Stephen Waruru.

Nigeria will continue preparations for this month's confederations cup.