Nigeria’s Super Eagles held on in Polokwane to claim a tense 2–1 victory over Lesotho that keeps alive their slim hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
After a subdued first half, captain William Troost-Ekong stepped up to convert a penalty. Later, Akor Adams, on his debut, doubled the lead with a composed finish becoming the sixth Nigerian to score on debut, joining the likes of Obafemi Martins and Brian Idowu.
The hosts refused to roll over. A defensive lapse allowed Lesotho to pull one back, and in the closing stages Nigeria were under siege, but they held firm.
First Half: Frustration & Missed Chances
Nigeria began with intent. Early openings from Iwobi and Arokodare showed promise, but neither finished. Lookman’s offside runs disrupted the flow, while Lesotho gradually grew in confidence.
Just before the break, Simon’s corner found Arokodare unmarked, but his header sailed wide, a let-off for the home side. The Super Eagles entered the interval goalless and visibly irritated by their lack of cutting edge.
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Immediately after the restart, Simon’s relentless wing play forced a handball in the box. From the spot, Troost-Ekong atoned for past errors by coolly converting his 8th goal in 82 caps.
Moments later, Osimhen nearly made it two, but screwed his shot onto the post after rounding the keeper.
The game appeared settled until Akor Adams muscled into the box and rifled in Nigeria’s second in the 80th minute assisted by Osimhen, his first for his country.
Lesotho, however, were not done. Nwabali jittery handling handed Hlompho Klakake a gift from the corner kick as the Corcodiles pulled one back.
Nigeria’s defence held their nerve until the dying moments, when a mix-up between Nwabali and Ajayi nearly proved costly. Lesotho’s Klakake pounced on the loose ball but somehow fired wide of an open net, a huge let-off for the Super Eagles before the final whistle.
The win keeps Eric Chelle’s side third on the log in Group C, now on 14 points, one behind South Africa and three behind leaders Benin, who also won their match.
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With matching fixtures ahead, Nigeria must beat Benin and hope for favourable results elsewhere. Their World Cup dream lives, but it’s a tightrope they still must walk.
