Nigeria kept their qualification hopes for the 2026 FIFA World Cup alive with a determined 2-1 win over Lesotho on Friday evening in South Africa.
Captain William Troost-Ekong opened the scoring in the 55th minute, calmly converting from the penalty spot after a Lesotho defender handled Moses Simon’s goal-bound effort.
The experienced defender sent the goalkeeper the wrong way to give the Super Eagles a deserved lead.
Debutant Akor Adams doubled Nigeria’s advantage in the 80th minute, finishing neatly after being set up on the counterattack by Victor Osimhen.
Lesotho pulled one back late on when Hlompho Kalake capitalised on a rare mistake from goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to fire home from close range, but it proved only a consolation.
Full-Time in Polokwane!
The Super Eagles get the job done, goals from Troost-Ekong and debutant Akor Adams seal the win!
Lesotho 1-2 Nigeria #LESNGA #SoarSuperEagles #FIFAWCQ2026 pic.twitter.com/03mGPNGZkk
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) October 10, 2025
The win takes Nigeria to 14 points, three behind leaders Benin, who edged Rwanda 1-0.
With South Africa dropping points, the Super Eagles remain firmly in the race and must now beat Benin in their final qualifier on Tuesday to secure a place at the 2026 World Cup.
South Africa will be rooting for Nigeria to beat Benin on Tuesday, knowing that a win against Rwanda will give them the advantage to secure qualification.
