Nigeria moved closer to securing a place at the 2026 World Cup after the Super Eagles recorded a 2-1 victory over Lesotho in a Group B qualifier, a result that keeps their qualification prospects alive ahead of the final matchday.
The match, played under challenging conditions for the visitors, saw Nigeria struggle to assert control in the opening stages. The first half was largely unproductive for the Super Eagles, who relied heavily on long passes and were unable to penetrate Lesotho’s defensive setup. Despite fielding Victor Osimhen and Tolu Arokodare as strikers, with
Ademola Lookman and Alex Iwobi supporting from the flanks, the team failed to convert possession into scoring opportunities.
The deadlock was broken ten minutes into the second half when Lesotho defender Motlomelo Mkwanazi handled the ball in the penalty area. Captain and centre-back William Troost-Ekong stepped up to take the penalty, successfully converting it despite Osimhen remaining on the bench. Moments later, a similar opportunity for Wilfred Ndidi was denied as the referee dismissed appeals for another penalty.
Debutant Akor Adams, representing Nigeria for the first time, doubled the lead late in the game. The Sevilla forward managed to navigate past his marker before striking low past the goalkeeper to make it 2-0. Lesotho, however, responded in the closing stages as Hlompho Kalake capitalised on a defensive lapse from Stanley Nwabali to pull one back, setting up a tense finish. Despite continued pressure from the Crocodiles, Nigeria maintained their advantage until the final whistle.
The result extinguishes Lesotho’s hopes of qualification and places Nigeria in a favourable position, although Benin remains ahead in the group. With one qualifier remaining, Nigeria will need a strong performance in their final fixture to secure an automatic berth.
With the Super Eagles now three points behind group leaders Benin and ahead of South Africa, the stage is set for a decisive encounter that will determine the final World Cup spot from Group B.
