Nigeria Edges Lesotho To Revive World Cup Qualification Hopes

‎Nigeria reignited their 2026 World Cup qualification campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Lesotho in Polokwane.

‎Slow Start

‎The opening 45 minutes did little to inspire confidence among Nigerian fans.

‎Despite the return of key attackers Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, the Super Eagles lacked fluidity and penetration in the final third. Lesotho, organized and disciplined, absorbed pressure and threatened on the counter through their pacey wide players.

‎Nigeria’s midfield pairing failed to assert control, often resorting to hopeful long balls as Lesotho’s compact shape frustrated their passing lanes.

‎The few chances that did fall Nigeria’s way, including a half-volley from Osimhen and a speculative effort from Lookman, were comfortably dealt with by Sekhoane Moerane, who was in inspired form between the sticks.

‎Troost-Ekong Goal

‎The breakthrough finally arrived shortly after the restart. A handball by Motlomelo Mkwanazi inside the box handed Nigeria a golden opportunity from the spot.

‎Captain William Troost-Ekong, calm under pressure, stepped up and drilled home from twelve yards to give Nigeria a much-needed lead.

‎That moment seemed to lift the entire team. The Super Eagles began to play with greater tempo, and the introduction of Kelechi Iheanacho and Alex Iwobi added creativity and balance to their attacking play.

‎Lesotho, meanwhile, was forced to push higher up the pitch, leaving space for Nigeria to exploit.

‎Debut Goal for Akor Adams

‎With time running down and Lesotho still very much in the game, debutant Akor Adams announced himself on the international stage in style.

‎The Montpellier striker, known for his physical presence and intelligent movement, latched onto a through ball, sold his marker a clever feint, and drove a low finish beyond Moerane to make it 2-0.

‎It was a moment of pure composure from a player many had called to see given a chance in the national setup. Adams’ goal not only provided breathing space but also hinted at the depth Nigeria possesses up front, especially with Osimhen still working his way back to full sharpness.

‎Lesotho Pull One Back

‎Just as Nigeria seemed to have wrapped things up, a late lapse in concentration invited tension. Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, usually reliable, failed to claim a cross cleanly and mishandled his attempted clearance.

‎Lesotho’s Hlompho Kalake pounced, firing into the roof of the net to make it 2-1 with minutes remaining.

‎The final moments were nervy, but the Super Eagles managed to hold firm and see out the win a vital one given their recent inconsistency in qualifying.

‎Nigeria Back in the Mix

‎Elsewhere, South Africa’s 0-0 draw with Zimbabwe further opened up the race in Group C.

‎Nigeria’s victory means they now sit just one point behind Bafana Bafana, while Benin’s win sees them remain top of the group.