Super Eagles Go One Point Behind South Africa After Beating Lesotho

Nigeria’s Super Eagles survived a nervy finish in Maseru on Friday night as they edged Lesotho 2-1 to keep their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification hopes alive.

William Troost-Ekong opened the scoring for the Super Eagles in the 55th minute from the penalty spot, after a Lesotho defender handled the ball in the box. Substitute Ademola Adams doubled Nigeria’s lead in the 80th minute, after dribbling his way into the penalty box following a pass from Victor Osimhen.

Lesotho, however, refused to go quietly. In the 83rd minute, Hlompho Kalake pulled one back for the hosts after a costly mistake from Nigerian goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, whose poor handling of a corner gifted Lesotho a late lifeline.

Nwabali’s night nearly went from bad to worse when another lapse in concentration during added time almost led to an equaliser, but Lesotho failed to convert the chance as the ball rolled narrowly wide.

The win keeps Nigeria in third place in Group C with 14 points, just one behind second-placed South Africa, who were held to a goalless draw by Zimbabwe earlier today. Benin remain top of the group with 17 points following their 1-0 victory over Rwanda.

Group standings after matchday nine show Benin leading with 17 points, South Africa on 15, and Nigeria closely trailing with 14. Rwanda sit fourth with 11, Lesotho fifth on 9, while Zimbabwe are bottom with just 5 points.

With one game left to play, the qualification race remains tight. Nigeria will now turn their attention to their final fixture, knowing that only a win, and a bit of luck elsewhere, can guarantee their passage to the next stage of the World Cup qualifiers.

Source: Naijanews