The Super Eagles of Nigeria kept their qualification hopes for the 2026 FIFA World Cup burning brightly after securing a 2–1 victory over Lesotho on Friday evening at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa.
The result came on a dramatic day in Group C, where South Africa were held to a goalless draw by Zimbabwe in Durban, and Benin Republic edged Rwanda 1–0 in Kigali. The outcomes mean all three teams—Benin Republic, South Africa, and Nigeria—remain in contention for the sole qualification ticket, setting up a thrilling final round of matches. Nigeria began the match with purpose and intensity. Forward Tolu Arokodare threatened early, heading narrowly over the bar in the 12th minute before being denied again by the Lesotho goalkeeper following an Ademola Lookman cross in the 33rd minute. Moments later, Victor Osimhen also saw his header saved, as the Super Eagles pushed relentlessly for an opener.
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Just before halftime, Arokodare fired wide from a low cross, leaving the game goalless at the break despite Nigeria’s dominance.
Nine minutes into the second half, a pivotal moment arrived. A Lesotho defender handled the ball inside the box as Simon Moses struck a fierce shot, and the referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Captain William Troost-Ekong stepped up and coolly converted the penalty to give Nigeria a deserved lead.
The Super Eagles kept up the pressure, with Alex Iwobi testing the goalkeeper twice in quick succession and Osimhen striking the post in the 62nd minute. The Napoli forward also saw another deflected effort hit the upright in the 79th minute.
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Nigeria’s persistence paid off in the 89th minute when Osimhen turned provider, feeding debutant Jerome Akor Adams, who shrugged off his marker and fired home for his first international goal to make it 2–0.
Lesotho pulled one back in the 83rd minute through Kalake’s header from a corner, but Nigeria held firm to claim all three points.The victory lifts Nigeria to 14 points, just behind Benin Republic and South Africa, with everything to play for in the final group fixtures.
Nigeria will host Benin Republic in Uyo on Tuesday, while South Africa takes on Rwanda in Durban.
A win for Nigeria could seal their qualification, depending on the outcome of the other match. If South Africa win, the group might be decided by goal difference or head-to-head records. But a draw or defeat for South Africa would hand Nigeria a clearer route to North America.
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As the tension rises, the Super Eagles’ fate now rests in their hands — one more win could see them book their ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
