Nigeria’s Super Eagles secured a vital 2–1 victory over Lesotho at the Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane, on Friday night to keep their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification hopes alive, Bold Sports reports.
The Super Eagles started the game with intent, pressing high and looking to grab an early goal. However, Lesotho’s disciplined and compact defense held firm, frustrating the Nigerian attack and keeping the scoreline goalless in the opening exchanges.
Despite dominating possession, Nigeria struggled to create clear-cut chances. Lesotho occasionally threatened on the counter, but the Super Eagles’ backline remained composed, while goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali had little to do in the first half.
The breakthrough nearly came just before halftime when Tolu Arokodare rose highest to meet a cross, but his free header missed the target ensuring the first half ended without goals.
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After the restart, Nigeria continued to push forward, with Ademola Lookman switching to the right flank and delivering a dangerous low cross that was cleared at the last moment. Moments later, the pressure finally paid off as the Super Eagles were awarded a penalty for handball. Captain Troost-Ekong confidently converted from the spot to give Nigeria a 1–0 lead.
Nigeria appealed for a second penalty in the 58th minute, but the referee waved play on. The Super Eagles nearly doubled their advantage five minutes later when Victor Osimhen’s clever lob came off the post, and Moses Simon’s rebound was cleared off the line.
Osimhen remained lively and saw another effort saved in the 78th minute, but the persistence paid off soon after. In the 80th minute, the Galatasaray striker teed up substitute Akor Adams, who produced a neat step-over before firing into the net to make it 2–0.
However, Lesotho were gifted a lifeline late in the game after a goalkeeping blunder from Nwabali allowed them to pull one back, setting up a nervy finish. Nigeria ultimately held on for the win, moving up to 14 points ahead of their final group game against Benin Republic in Uyo on October 14.
With qualification still hanging in the balance, the Super Eagles will now aim for another victory to keep their World Cup dream alive.
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