The Super Eagles of Nigeria boosted their chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Thursday with a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Lesotho in a Group C qualifier.
Head coach Eric Chelle fielded a strong lineup that saw the return of Victor Osimhen of Galatasaray and William Troost-Ekong, who plies his trade with Saudi Pro League side Al-Kholood.
Nigeria started brightly, with Moses Simon threatening in the sixth minute as he cut in from the right flank, but the Crocodiles held firm in defence. Despite dominating possession, the Super Eagles struggled with their final passes, as Lesotho’s deep backline restricted their attacking space.
Osimhen came close to breaking the deadlock in the 38th minute after outpacing his marker to connect with a cross from the right, but his powerful strike was expertly saved by goalkeeper Sekhoane. The first half ended goalless despite Nigeria’s persistent pressure.
The breakthrough came eight minutes after the restart when Motlomelo Mkwanazi was penalised for handling the ball in the box after blocking a shot from Simon. Captain William Troost-Ekong stepped up and calmly slotted the resulting penalty into the bottom right corner to give Nigeria the lead.
The Super Eagles doubled their advantage in the 80th minute when Osimhen set up Akor Adams inside the penalty area. Adams took a touch before drilling his shot past Sekhoane to make it 2–0.
However, a lapse in concentration from Nigeria’s defence allowed Lesotho to pull one back late in the game. From a corner kick, Hlompho Kalake pounced on a loose ball and fired a looping effort over goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, reducing the deficit to 2–1.
Despite the late scare, Nigeria held on to secure all three points and keep their World Cup qualification hopes alive ahead of their next crucial fixture against Benin Republic in Uyo.
