The Super Eagles of Nigeria kept their 2026 FIFA World Cup dreams alive with a gritty 2-1 victory over Lesotho on Friday evening in Maseru — a match that delivered drama, decisive moments, and a glimmer of hope heading into the final round of qualifiers.
After a tense and goalless first half, where Nigeria dominated possession but struggled to break down a well-organized Lesotho defense, the breakthrough finally came shortly after the restart.
55’ – William Troost-Ekong (Penalty)
Nigeria was awarded a penalty in the 55th minute after a Lesotho defender handled the ball inside the box. Captain William Troost-Ekong stepped up with confidence and calmly slotted home the spot-kick, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way. The goal gave Nigeria a deserved 1-0 lead and reignited their belief.
80’ – Akor Adams (Debut Goal)
Debutant Akor Adams made his mark on the international stage just when Nigeria needed inspiration. In the 80th minute, the Montpellier forward latched onto a loose ball after a swift attacking move and fired into the net to double the Super Eagles’ advantage. His clinical finish made it 2-0, putting Nigeria firmly in control and sparking celebrations on the touchline.
83’ – Hlompho Kalake (Lesotho Goal)
Lesotho, however, refused to go down quietly. Just three minutes later, in the 83rd minute, Hlompho Kalake pounced during a corner kick mix-up. Nigeria’s goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali misjudged the flight of the ball, allowing Kalake to slot home and make it 2-1. The late goal created tension, but the Super Eagles held their shape and composure to see out the win.
Full-Time: Lesotho 1–2 Nigeria
Nigeria’s victory keeps them second in Group C, with 14 points, trailing Benin Republic, who lead with 17 pointsfollowing their own win earlier in the day. South Africa sits closely behind, making the group’s final matchday decisive.
What It Means for Nigeria
With one game remaining, the Super Eagles’ path to the 2026 World Cup remains open through several possible scenarios:
Win Against Benin Republic: A victory in Uyo on Tuesday would put Nigeria in strong contention to top Group C and secure qualification.
Hope for Rivals’ Slip-Ups: Nigeria will be watching closely as both Benin Republic and South Africa play their final fixtures — a draw or loss for either could shift the balance.
Improve Goal Difference: With teams closely matched on points, scoring more and conceding less could become the crucial tiebreaker.
Final-Day Showdown in Uyo
The Super Eagles will now turn their focus to a must-win clash against Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, on Tuesday. A win there could seal their ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.
For Lesotho, the defeat was a major setback. With just nine points from five games, their qualification hopes are all but over, leaving them to reflect on missed chances in a hard-fought contest.
Nigeria’s resilience, led by Troost-Ekong’s leadership and Akor Adams’ striking debut, means the dream is still alive — but everything now depends on the final showdown in Uyo.
