2026 World Cup: Nigeria edge Lesotho 2-1 to keep qualification hopes alive
The Super Eagles of Nigeria kept their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification hopes alive with a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Lesotho at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Friday.
Goals from captain William Troost-Ekong and debutant Akor Adams were enough to earn Nigeria a vital three points and reignite their chase for a place at next year’s World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
After a tense first half where both teams struggled to find a breakthrough, Nigeria finally took the lead in the 55th minute.
Captain William Troost-Ekong kept his composure to convert from the penalty spot, giving the Super Eagles a deserved advantage following sustained pressure.
Debutant Akor Adams doubled Nigeria’s lead in the 80th minute, finishing clinically to make it 2–0 and seemingly put the game beyond Lesotho’s reach.
The Wolverhampton Wanderers striker’s goal was his first in Super Eagles colours and capped off a promising full debut performance.
Lesotho refused to bow out quietly, as Hlompho Kalake pulled one back for the hosts in the 83rd minute, sparking a nervy finish. Despite the late scare, Nigeria held on to secure a crucial 2–1 win, their third victory of the campaign.
The result lifts Nigeria to third place in Group C on 14 points, one behind South Africa and three adrift of leaders Benin Republic, who defeated Rwanda 1–0. South Africa, meanwhile, were held to a goalless draw by ten-man Zimbabwe.
The outcome means the Super Eagles must defeat Benin Republic in their final qualifier to stand a chance of automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
