Super Eagles Secure Crucial 2-1 Win Over Lesotho in World Cup Qualifier
Nigeria's Super Eagles secure 2-1 win over Lesotho in World Cup qualifier, keeping their qualification hopes alive.
Victor Osimhen set up Jerome Akor Adams with a brilliant pass, and the Sevilla star expertly cut the ball onto...
Nigeria's Super Eagles secured a crucial 2-1 victory over Lesotho in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier, keeping their hopes of qualifying alive. William Troost-Ekong's penalty kick in the 55th minute gave Nigeria the lead, before Akor Adams sealed the win with a composed finish in the 80th minute.
The win places Nigeria third in Group C with 14 points, behind Benin Republic and South Africa. Lesotho's Hlompho Kalake pulled one back in the 83rd minute, but the Super Eagles held firm to secure the three points. Nigeria now sets its sights on a decisive match against Benin Republic in Uyo on Tuesday.
Nigeria, the three-time African champions, began the match brightly in their quest for a much-needed win. However, they struggled to breach the well-organized defense of Lesotho.
Despite dominating possession, Nigeria lacked the cutting edge in the final third, with key opportunities slipping away from Victor Osimhen and Tolu Arokodare. Lesotho, meanwhile, posed little threat, spending most of the match pinned back in their own half.
Lesotho goalkeeper Sekhoane Moerane was kept busy in the first half, making three saves, while Nigeria had three efforts sail off target.
The deadlock was broken in the 55th minute when Nigeria was awarded a penalty after a Lesotho defender handled the ball in the box. Captain William Troost-Ekong calmly scored the penalty, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way.
Nigeria's lead was doubled in the 80th minute when Akor Adams, who had come on as a substitute for Tolu Arokodare 18 minutes earlier, latched onto a pass from Victor Osimhen and scored with a composed finish, doubling Nigeria's advantage and making it 2-0.
Victor Osimhen set up Jerome Akor Adams with a brilliant pass, and the Sevilla star expertly cut the ball onto his left foot before firing a precise shot past Moerane in the 80th minute, doubling Nigeria's lead.
However, Lesotho's goalkeeper couldn't be blamed for the equalizer as it was a costly error by Nigeria's goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali that allowed substitute Hlompho Kalake to pull one back from a corner kick just three minutes later.
Despite the nervy finish, Nigeria held their composure to secure all three points. Meanwhile, a goalless draw between Zimbabwe and South Africa worked in the Super Eagles' favor, keeping their World Cup qualification hopes alive with one qualifier remaining.
Nigeria needs to secure a win against Benin Republic and simultaneously hope that South Africa either loses or draws against Rwanda in their respective final group matches to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With six points separating them from the top spot, the Super Eagles' fate is in their hands, but they'll need some favorable outcomes from other matches.
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