2026 WCQ: Samiu Ajayi Rescues Super Eagles From Lesotho

Nigeria’s Super Eagles began their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign on a shaky note, throwing away two points, following a 1-1 draw against the Crocodiles of Lesotho at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State on Thursday.

The three-time African champions were massively tipped to outshine their lowly rated opponents, but the visitors took a shock lead in the 56th minute, thanks to Mkwanazi’s goal to silence the home supporters.

Francis Uzoho’s poor judgement of the ball allowed Lesotho player to get the ball before him.

However, in the 67th minute, the Super Eagles levelled parity through Semiu Ajayi’s goal to give the team an element of hope.

But all efforts to score the vital goal proved abortive as Lesotho kept their backline very tight to ensure they share a point with Nigeria.

Coach Jose Peseiro set up a heavily-attack minded team with Taiwo Awoniyi leading the charge while Kelechi Iheanacho and Victor Boniface were to provide support in and around the box. And as expected, the Eagles were on the front foot from the blast of the referee’s whistle, with Taiwo Awoniyi having a slight sniff of goal in the opening few minutes but the chance was snuffed out by the Lesotho back line.

Despite Nigeria’s industry, Lesotho’s goalkeeper was not called upon to make any serious save until the 34th minute when Iheanacho tested his palm with a well-struck free-kick.

Moments later, Awoniyi missed another fine chance to get Peseiro’s men in front after good work from Boniface but the Nottingham Forest man sliced wide with the keeper beaten.

On the stroke of halftime, Lookman fired another effort at goal, but it was kept out as both sides headed the first half deadlocked.

The Eagles came close to the opening goal in the opening half but it was the visitors who broke the deadlock 10 minutes into the second period.

Motlomelo Mkhwanazi beat goalkeeper Uzoho with the Crocodiles’ first shot on target.

Nigeria needed a huge response and it arrived in the 67th minute when Semiu Ajayi powered home a header off another fine Iheanacho cornerkick to hand the home team the equaliser.
Despite a late charge at Lesotho’s goal, Nigeria could not muster the winning goal and had to settle for a disappointing draw.

The Super Eagles will next face Zimbabwe on Sunday at the Huye Stadium in Butare, in a game Nigeria must pick the maximum points if they are to brighten their chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup tournament.