Super Eagles Edge Lesotho 2-1 To Stay In 2026 World Cup Race

By Owolabi Ayobami | 2 min read | Businessday | 2 days ago | 291 views

Nigeria’s Super Eagles kept their 2026 FIFA World Cup hopes alive with a 2-1 win over Lesotho on Friday, though the result left them trailing in Group C.

The match in Maseru was far from Nigeria’s best, but goals from captain William Troost-Ekong and debutant Jerome Adams secured the win, despite a late goal from Lesotho’s Kalake.

Nigeria started brightly, with Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman testing the Lesotho defence early.

The team dominated possession but struggled to break through a disciplined Crocodiles backline, with Arokodare and Alex Iwobi coming close in the first half.

The breakthrough came in the 54th minute when Mkwanazi handled the ball in the box. Troost-Ekong converted the penalty to give Nigeria the lead.

Jerome Adams added a second in the 80th minute after a counter-attack, calmly placing the ball into the bottom corner.

Lesotho scored shortly after, but Nigeria held on for the win.

Elsewhere in Group C, Benin Republic defeated Rwanda 1-0, while South Africa played a goalless draw against Zimbabwe.

The results leave Benin leading the group on 17 points, South Africa second with 15, and Nigeria third with 14.

The Super Eagles will finish their qualifying campaign against Benin Republic next Tuesday at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo in a match that could decide their World Cup fate.