2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: Super Eagles Edge Lesotho 2-1, Final-Day Drama Looms
The race for a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America will go down to the final matchday, following Nigeria’s hard-fought 2-1 victory over Lesotho in Polokwane on Friday.
While the Super Eagles secured all three points, South Africa were held to a goalless draw by Zimbabwe in Durban, and Benin Republic claimed a 1-0 away win over Rwanda in Kigali. Despite the results, all three teams maintained their positions in Group C heading into the decisive final round of fixtures.
Nigeria, now on 14 points and sitting third, will host group leaders Benin Republic in Uyo on Tuesday, with South Africa—currently second—facing Rwanda’s Amavubi in what promises to be a tense finale.
The Super Eagles started Friday’s encounter with clear attacking intent. Tolu Arokodare headed over in the 12th minute and was denied by the Lesotho goalkeeper in the 33rd minute, just as he prepared to nod home a cross from Ademola Lookman.
Victor Osimhen also saw a powerful header saved three minutes later, and Arokodare again went close in first-half stoppage time. The breakthrough came in the 54th minute, when Simon Moses’s shot struck a defender’s arm in the box, prompting referee Mahamat Allaoui of Chad to award a penalty. Captain William Troost-Ekong stepped up and coolly converted to give Nigeria the lead.
Nigeria continued to pile on the pressure, with Alex Iwobi testing the goalkeeper twice in quick succession in the 57th and 59th minutes, and Osimhen striking the post with a chipped effort in the 62nd. The Galatasary striker was again denied by the woodwork in the 79th minute after a deflected shot.
Ten minutes from time, Osimhen turned provider, threading a perfect pass to debutant Jerome Akor Adams, who showed great composure to beat his marker and fire home Nigeria’s second goal.
Lesotho responded almost immediately, with Katleho Makateng’s corner headed in by Tšepo Kalake in the 83rd minute to set up a nervy finish.
However, Nigeria held firm to secure a vital win and stay within striking distance of World Cup qualification.
A win over Benin Republic on Tuesday, combined with a failure by South Africa to defeat Rwanda, would see the Super Eagles leapfrog both rivals to finish top of Group C—and book their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be hosted jointly by the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
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