Nigeria Defeat Lesotho 2-1 To Keep World Cup Hopes Alive

The Super Eagles of Nigeria on Friday defeated Lesotho 2-1 to keep their 2026 World Cup qualification hopes alive.

The Super Eagles came into the match knowing only a victory would keep them in the qualification race and thus immediately piled pressure on Lesotho.

Despite the pressure on their opponents, the first half ended goalless as the Super Eagles failed to convert their chances.

Lesotho’s five-man defense soaked up the pressure from the Super Eagles and limited the space for Nigeria’s forwards.

The Super Eagles’ dominance eventually paid off in the 53rd minute when Motlomelo Mkwanazi was penalised for a handball after blocking a shot from Moses Simon, and the ref awarded Nigeria a penalty.

Ekong converted the penalty, placing it into the bottom right corner.

In the 80th minute, Victor Osimhen, who was a constant threat to Lesotho, assisted Akor Adamson, who fired past Sekhoane to double the lead.

However, Lesotho responded after a defensive lapse by Nigeria following a corner kick, with Hlompho Kalake sending a shot over the reach of goalkeeper Stanlee Nwabali.

Following Friday’s result, Nigeria remains third in the standings. They still have three points fewer than Benin, the leaders, who have 17 points after their win against Rwanda on the same evening.

Should the Super Eagles beat Benin by a three-goal margin at home on Tuesday and Rwanda at least hold second-placed Bafana Bafana to a draw, Eric Chelle’s side will climb to the top of the standings.