Nigeria’s Super Eagles have boosted their chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 2–1 victory over Lesotho in Polokwane.
The win lifted Nigeria to third place in Group C with 14 points, behind Benin Republic, who top the table with 17 points after a 1–0 win over Rwanda in Kigali, while South Africa, sit second on 15 points following a goalless draw with Zimbabwe in Durban.
Nigeria will next host Benin Republic in Uyo on Tuesday in a decisive final group fixture that could determine their qualification for the tournament to be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
South Africa will also face Rwanda on the same day.
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Nigeria started Friday’s match with urgency. Tolu Arokodare’s header went over the bar in the 12th minute.
He was denied again in the 33rd minute by Lesotho’s goalkeeper.
Victor Osimhen’s header was saved in the 36th minute, while Arokodare failed to convert a chance in added time of the first half.
Captain William Ekong scored from the spot to give Nigeria the lead.
Nigeria took the lead nine minutes after the break when Captain William Ekong scored from the spot afte a Lesotho defender handled the ball, and referee Mahamat Allaoui of Chad awarded a penalty.
The Eagles pressed further as Alex Iwobi had two quick chances in the 57th and 59th minutes, while Osimhen’s chip hit the upright in the 62nd minute.
In the 79th minute, Osimhen’s deflected effort also struck the woodwork. But in the 80th minute, he set up debutant Jerome Akor Adams.
Adams beat a defender and fired home for Nigeria’s second goal.
Lesotho pulled one back in the 83rd minute through Hlompho Kalake from a corner kick.
Nigeria held on to secure the win and three points.
A victory against Benin Republic in Uyo on Tuesday, combined with a slip-up by South Africa, would secure Nigeria’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
NAN