Nigeria’s Super Eagles have brightened their chances of securing qualification for the 2026 World Cup in North America following a 2-1 victory over Lesotho in Polokwane, South Africa, on Friday night.
The win keeps Coach Eric Chelle’s team third in Group C with 14 points, three points behind group leaders Benin Republic, who increased their tally to 17 following a 1-0 away win against Rwanda, also on Friday. Second-placed South Africa were held to a goalless draw by Zimbabwe.
In a closely contested World Cup qualification match held at the Setsoto Stadium, Lesotho succumbed to Nigeria with a final score of 2-1. Both teams battled intensely, but it was the visitors who ultimately secured the vital three points.
The first half ended without goals, as both sides failed to capitalise on their chances. However, the breakthrough came in the 55th minute when Nigeria’s William Troost-Ekong converted a penalty, putting the Super Eagles ahead 1-0. The penalty was awarded after a foul committed by a Lesotho defender in the box.
Nigeria extended their lead in the 80th minute through substitute Adam, who found the back of the net to make it 2-0. The Nigerian forward’s strike appeared to put the game beyond reach for the home side.
Despite the two-goal deficit, Lesotho showed resilience and fought back. In the 83rd minute, H. Kalake reduced the deficit, scoring a goal that ignited hopes of a late comeback. However, Nigeria held firm in the final minutes to secure the victory.
With this win, Nigeria remains in contention for a place in the World Cup, and a victory against leaders Benin Republic on Tuesday in their final qualifying match may be enough to secure a qualification ticket, provided South Africa fails to win away to Rwanda on the final day.
