The Super Eagles of Nigeria secured a crucial 2-1 victory over Lesotho on Friday at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, keeping their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification hopes alive.
It was a goalless first half with both sides creating few chances, but Nigeria broke the deadlock in the 55th minute when captain William Troost-Ekong calmly converted from the penalty spot to give the Super Eagles a 1-0 lead.
Substitute and newly invited striker, Akor Adams, extended Nigeria’s advantage in the 80th minute after finishing off a well-timed pass from Victor Osimhen to make it 2-0.
However, Lesotho responded almost immediately, as Kalake H. pulled one back in the 83rd minute following a fumble from Nigeria’s goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali. Despite late pressure from the Crocodiles, the Super Eagles held on to claim all three points.
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With the result, Nigeria remain in third place in Group C with 14 points. South Africa sit second with 15 points after a goalless draw with Zimbabwe, while Benin Republic top the table with 17 points following their 1-0 win over Rwanda in Kigali.
The race for qualification now intensifies as Nigeria prepare for their next must-win encounter in the final rounds of the qualifiers.