The Super Eagles boosted their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification hopes with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Lesotho on Friday — a result that keeps their campaign alive heading into the final group match.
Captain William Troost-Ekong opened the scoring in the 55th minute, calmly converting a penalty after a Lesotho defender was penalised for handball inside the box. The goal sent the home fans into raptures.
Akor Adams extended Nigeria’s lead in the 80th minute with a composed finish, seemingly putting the result beyond doubt. However, Lesotho pulled one back through Kalake just three minutes later, setting up a tense finale. The Eagles held their nerve to secure all three points.
Despite the win, Nigeria remain second in Group C after Benin Republic also secured a victory, maintaining their lead on both points and goal difference. With just one match remaining, the Super Eagles’ qualification fate is not fully in their hands.
Nigeria currently sit on 14 points, trailing Benin Republic who top the table with 17 points. The Super Eagles’ routes to qualification include:
Winning the final game — Victory over Benin Republic is non-negotiable to stay in contention.
Relying on rivals to drop points — Benin Republic or South Africa must falter in their remaining fixtures.
Boosting goal difference — Nigeria need to score more and concede less to edge their rivals if teams end level on points.
The final matchday promises to be decisive, as Nigeria look to leapfrog Benin Republic and clinch automatic qualification.
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For Lesotho, the defeat all but ends their World Cup dreams. With nine points from five games, they now require an unlikely series of results to remain mathematically in contention.
