Nigeria kept their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification hopes alive on Friday with a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Lesotho in their penultimate CAF Group C fixture.
The Super Eagles, managed by Eric Chelle, entered the match trailing group leaders Benin and South Africa by three points, knowing only a win would keep their campaign on track.
After a quiet first half, Nigeria took control early in the second period. The breakthrough came when Lesotho’s Thabang Malane handled Moses Simon’s goal-bound effort inside the box, earning the visitors a penalty. Captain William Troost-Ekong confidently converted from the spot, firing low into the bottom right corner.
Moments later, Victor Osimhen came close to doubling the lead, but his clever lob struck the post. Simon’s follow-up was cleared off the line, and Lesotho goalkeeper Sekhoane Moerane pulled off a brilliant save to deny another Osimhen effort.
Nigeria’s persistence eventually paid off when Osimhen unselfishly set up substitute Akor Adams, who marked his debut with a composed finish to make it 2–0.
However, a lapse in concentration allowed Lesotho back into the game. Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabili failed to deal with a corner, and Hlompho Kalake pounced to reduce the deficit. The hosts nearly equalised in stoppage time after a mix-up between Nwabili and Wilfred Ndidi gifted Fusi Matalabe a chance, but his shot drifted narrowly wide.
Despite the late scare, Nigeria held on for a vital win. The result leaves them third in Group C, one point behind South Africa and three adrift of leaders Benin.
To qualify for the World Cup, the Super Eagles must beat Benin in their final group match by a margin greater than the 2–1 loss they suffered earlier in the campaign and hope South Africa drop points against Rwanda.
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