Nigeria kept their 2026 World Cup qualification hopes alive after a tense 2-1 victory over Lesotho in Polokwane. Goals from William Troost-Ekong and debutant Akor Adams were enough to seal the win, setting up a dramatic Group C finale with Benin and South Africa (Bafana Bafana).
Super Eagles survive Lesotho scare to stay in the race
The Super Eagles fought hard to secure a narrow 2-1 win against Lesotho at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Friday, keeping their World Cup dream alive. Despite dominating possession, Nigeria struggled to find rhythm and needed a second-half penalty to break the deadlock.
Captain William Troost-Ekong opened the scoring from the spot just 10 minutes after the restart. But while the West Africans enjoyed more of the ball, they lacked cutting edge in the final third, with Victor Osimhen twice hitting the woodwork as frustration mounted.
Eventually, substitute Akor Adams, on his debut, made an instant impact with a composed finish from close range to double Nigeria’s lead in the 80th minute. Yet, Lesotho refused to roll over, pulling one back through Hlompho Kalake, who capitalized on goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali’s mistake to make it 2-1.
A nervy ending followed as a defensive mix-up between Semi Ajayi and Nwabali nearly cost Nigeria their lead, but the hosts couldn’t take advantage — and the Super Eagles held on for a crucial victory.
Group C now on a knife-edge
The win keeps Nigeria third in Group C, just three points behind leaders Benin, who beat Rwanda on the same night to reach 17 points. South Africa, meanwhile, remain second, setting up an intense finish to the qualifying campaign.
To top the group and secure automatic qualification, Nigeria must beat Benin by at least three goals on Tuesday and hope Rwanda can hold Bafana Bafana to a draw. It’s a tight equation — but one that keeps Eric Chelle’s side in the hunt.
It wasn’t pretty, but the points were all that mattered, a team source told GOAL Nigeria after the match. The players know Tuesday is do-or-die.
What’s next for Nigeria
Nigeria now return home for their final Group C fixture — a must-win showdown against Benin on Tuesday. Victory could see the Super Eagles leapfrog both Benin and South Africa, depending on other results, to claim the group’s World Cup ticket.
Meanwhile, Lesotho will face Zimbabwe in a dead rubber on Monday, having already been eliminated from contention.
With everything still to play for, Group C promises a thrilling photo finish, and Nigeria’s World Cup destiny remains in their own hands — provided they can deliver one last big performance in front of their home crowd.
