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Nigeria’s Super Eagles beat Lesotho 2–1 on Friday in Polokwane, keeping their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification hopes alive and sparking renewed optimism among fans.
The hard-fought victory lifted Nigeria to third in Group C with 14 points. Benin Republic, who claimed a narrow 1–0 win over Rwanda in Kigali, remain at the summit with 17 points, while South Africa hold second place on 15 points after being held to a goalless draw by Zimbabwe in Durban.
All eyes now turn to Tuesday’s decisive final group fixtures — Nigeria will host Benin Republic in Uyo, while South Africa take on Rwanda.
The Eagles began the match with intensity and purpose. Early on, Tolu Arokodare’s 12th-minute header sailed over the bar before Lesotho’s goalkeeper thwarted him again in the 33rd minute. Victor Osimhen also saw his 36th-minute header saved, and Arokodare missed another chance deep into first-half stoppage time.
Nigeria eventually broke the deadlock nine minutes after the restart. Captain William Troost-Ekong calmly converted from the spot after a Lesotho defender handled the ball, a penalty awarded by referee Mahamat Allaoui of Chad.
Buoyed by the opener, Nigeria pressed forward relentlessly. Alex Iwobi twice came close in quick succession — in the 57th and 59th minutes — while Osimhen’s delightful chip rattled the post in the 62nd. The Napoli striker’s deflected strike later struck the woodwork again in the 79th minute.
A minute later, Osimhen turned provider, setting up debutant Jerome Akor Adams, who outwitted a defender before rifling home Nigeria’s second goal with composure.
Lesotho refused to fold, pulling one back in the 83rd minute through Hlompho Kalake’s header from a corner. But the Eagles held firm to claim all three points and keep their qualification dream alive.
A win over Benin Republic in Uyo, coupled with a stumble from South Africa, could see Nigeria secure their ticket to the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
