Nigeria Edge Lesotho 2-1 in Crucial World Cup Qualifier
In a tense and dramatic encounter, Nigeria claimed a 2-1 win over Lesotho to keep alive their hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The first half remained goalless, with both teams struggling to break down opposition defenses.
In the 55th minute, Nigeria were awarded a penalty after Lesotho defender Mkwanazi handled the ball in the box. Nigeria Captain William Troost-Ekong stepped up and calmly converted to give the Super Eagles the lead.
Around the 80th minute, Nigeria doubled their advantage. Akor Adams, on his senior debut, latched onto a pass from Victor Osimhen and drilled a low finish past the Lesotho goalkeeper.
However, Lesotho would not go quietly. In the 83rd minute, substitute Hlompho Kalake reacted first to a misjudged corner by Nigeria’s keeper Stanley Nwabali, managing to flick the ball home and inject late drama into the game.
The final minutes saw Lesotho pour forward in search of an equaliser. A dangerous scramble in Nigeria’s penalty area occurred deep in stoppage time after a defensive mix-up, but the hosts could not convert. The match ended 2-1 to Nigeria.
The victory is critical for Nigeria’s World Cup ambitions. They narrowly avoid elimination by securing the full three points.
With this result, Nigeria closes the gap on leaders in Group C. However, competition remains fierce, with Benin, South Africa, and others still in the mix.
Notably, earlier this qualifying cycle, South Africa were stripped of three points for fielding an ineligible player. That decision has reshaped the group table and added extra weight to Nigeria’s remaining matches.
For Lesotho, the result is a heartbreak. Despite the late goal and spirited fight, they fall short in a home (technically away) fixture played in South Africa.
Nigeria must now turn their attention to the final group matches. A favorable result next time could determine whether they qualify directly because they can’t meet up for the play-offs.
Lesotho, though eliminated from qualification hopes, will aim to finish strongly and improve their standing.
All eyes will also be on their group rivals especially Benin and South Africa whose results will further affect the outcome of Group C.
