Super Eagles: Nigeria Survive Late Lesotho Comeback

Super Eagles: Nigeria Survive Late Lesotho Comeback

The Super Eagles of Nigeria kept their bid for a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup alive after securing a tense but vital 2-1 away victory over Lesotho at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Friday, October 10.

 

Nigeria’s victory, though hard-fought, was essential to maintain pressure on the group leaders.

The win leaves the Super Eagles three points behind Benin, who currently top Group C after grabbing a late 1-0 win against Rwanda and are aiming to qualify for the World Cup finals for the very first time.

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The Super Eagles earned their three precious points thanks to second-half goals from veteran defender William Troost-Ekong and debutant Akor Adams.

The result also saw Lesotho, despite the loss, close within one point of South Africa, who could only manage a 0-0 draw against Zimbabwe.

A Nervous Start and Second-Half Surge

While many expected Eric Chelle’s side to handle the designated home team in Polokwane with ease, the Super Eagles struggled to assert their dominance in the first half, lacking creativity and precision.

Lesotho’s goalkeeper, Sekhoane Moerane, was only called upon to make three routine saves in the opening 45 minutes, with Nigeria sending another three shots off target.

The momentum shifted early in the second half when Nigeria was awarded a penalty after Motlomelo Mkwanazi handled the ball inside the area. Troost-Ekong confidently converted the spot-kick from 12 yards, breaking the deadlock.

The game marked a memorable debut for Akor Adams, who was substituted on in the 62nd minute. His impact was swift and decisive. In the 80th minute, Victor Osimhen found Adams in space, and the substitute cut onto his left foot before unleashing a powerful shot past Moerane to make it 2-0 for the visitors, sealing the crucial win.

Lesotho, however, provided an immediate response. Just three minutes after Nigeria doubled their lead, Hlompho Kalake capitalized on a poor clearance from goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to pull one goal back for the Crocodiles. Despite the late pressure, Nigeria held on for the final seven minutes to walk away with the crucial win.

Final Showdown Set with Benin

The dramatic victory sets the stage for a massive final-round fixture. Nigeria will host Group C leaders Benin on Tuesday evening in Uyo.

The match carries extra significance: a Super Eagles victory by a two-goal margin will see them leapfrog their West African rivals and secure the automatic qualifying spot.

Adding an extra layer of intrigue is the presence of former Super Eagles boss Gernot Rohr, who now coaches the Benin Cheetahs. Rohr guided Benin to a thrilling 2-1 comeback win in the reverse fixture last June, setting the stage for a high-stakes rematch.