FIFA 2026 WCQ: Nigeria's Super Eagles boost World Cup hopes with slim win over Lesotho
The Super Eagles of Nigeria kept their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification dream alive on Thursday with a tense 2-1 victory over Lesotho at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa.
Head coach Eric Chelle fielded a strong lineup that included the return of Victor Osimhen from Galatasaray and William Troost-Ekong, now with Al-Kholood in Saudi Arabia. The pair added experience and presence to a side that needed all three points to stay in the qualification race.
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Nigeria began brightly, with Moses Simon threatening as early as the sixth minute, weaving in from the right wing before being crowded out by a compact Lesotho defence. Despite dominating possession, the Super Eagles struggled to find rhythm in their passing. Lesotho’s back-five formation was disciplined, closing spaces quickly and forcing Nigeria to circulate the ball sideways rather than forward.
Osimhen came closest in the first half when he met a cross from the right in the 38th minute, outmuscling his marker and powering a header on target. However, Lesotho goalkeeper Sekhoane Moerane produced a fine save to keep the scores level. The first half ended goalless, with Nigeria visibly frustrated despite their control of the game.
Ekong opens the scoring from the spot
Nigeria’s persistence finally paid off in the 53rd minute. A shot from Moses Simon struck Lesotho defender Motlomelo Mkwanazi on the arm, prompting the referee to point to the penalty spot.
Captain William Troost-Ekong calmly stepped up and sent the goalkeeper the wrong way, slotting the ball into the bottom right corner to give Nigeria a deserved 1-0 lead.
Akor Adams doubles the lead
The Super Eagles continued to press forward, looking to kill off the game. Their efforts were rewarded in the 80th minute when Victor Osimhen played a clever pass into space on the right side of the box.
Substitute Akor Adams controlled the ball neatly before firing low and hard past Moerane to make it 2-0. It was a well-taken goal that highlighted the Montpellier striker’s composure under pressure.
Late scare for the Super Eagles
Just when it looked like Nigeria would cruise to victory, Lesotho found a lifeline. A corner kick caused chaos in the Nigerian defence, and the loose ball fell to Hlompho Kalake, who reacted quickest to fire home in the 87th minute.
The Crocodiles pushed for an unlikely equaliser in the closing stages, but Nigeria held firm to secure a crucial win.
What it means for Nigeria
The result lifts Nigeria to 14 points in Group C, level with Benin Republic and South Africa, though goal difference will separate the sides.
The Super Eagles now face a do-or-die final group fixture against Benin Republic, where a victory could see them through depending on other results. With only one team qualifying automatically from each group, Nigeria’s fate remains uncertain, but this win ensures they are still in the fight.
Match Summary
Final Score: Lesotho 1–2 Nigeria
Goals:
- William Troost-Ekong (53’ pen)
- Akor Adams (80’)
- Hlompho Kalake (87’)
Venue: New Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane
Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026 African Qualifiers, Group C
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