Lesotho 1-2 Nigeria: Super Eagles secure massive win to keep World Cup hopes alive

The Super Eagles were far from convincing but secured an important win as rivals dropped points

Nigeria took a huge step closer to qualifying for the 2026 World Cup after goals from William Troost-Ekong and Akor Adams secured victory over Lesotho .

The Super Eagles are fighting an uphill battle as they look to come from behind and secure a place at the 2026 World Cup. They came into the affair three points shy of Benin and South Africa, who sat second and third in the group.

A goalless draw for Bafana Bafana, though, meant the Super Eagles took a huge step closer to securing a spot at the summer tournament with one qualifier left to play. Benin’s win, though, has them as favourites for an automatic berth as they visit Nigeria on the final matchday.

This was expected to be a routine outing for the Super Eagles, but, in reality, it was anything but. Nigeria were thoroughly uncreative in the first half, resorting to long balls with limited effect as they struggled to break down their hosts.

The second half was a very similar story. The visitors heaped pressure on their opponents, but despite having Victor Osimhen and Tolu Arokodare as twin strikers with Ademola Lookman and Alex Iwobi in supporting roles, they could not convert territory into goals.

The breakthrough finally came ten minutes into the second period, though, as a handball from Lesotho’s Motlomelo Mkwanazi gifted a penalty to the visitors. Despite having prolific striker Osimhen in reserve, captain and centre-back Troost-Ekong stepped up, but converted with aplomb.

There was another penalty shout moments later as Wilfred Ndidi was tripped in the box, but the referee waved his appeals away.

Sevilla forward Adams, making his debut, did well to beat his man and finish low to double Nigeria’s lead as the match wound down, but there was still more drama in store.

Hlompho Kalake pulled one back for Lesotho in the late stages to set up a frantic finish, capitalising on a clumsy clearance from Stanley Nwabali, but despite more dreadful Nigeria defending, the all-important second goal eluded the Crocodiles.

The result ends Lesotho’s chances of qualifying for the World Cup .

World Cup Nigeria Lesotho William Troost-Ekong Akor Adams Victor Osimhen Ademola Lookman Alex Iwobi

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