Super Eagles Boost World Cup Hopes With Slim Win Over Lesotho
Updated: October 10, 2025
Nigeria’s midfielder #5 William Troost-Ekong (C) celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal from the penalty spot during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Africa Qualifiers Group C match between Lesotho and Nigeria at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Friday, October 10, 2025. (Photo by Phill Magakoe / AFP)
The Super Eagles of Nigeria kept their hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup alive with a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Lesotho in Polokwane.
Coach Eric Chelle named a strong starting lineup, with the return of Victor Osimhen of Galatasaray and William Troost-Ekong, who plies his trade at Saudi Arabia’s Al-Kholood FC.
Nigeria started brightly, with Moses Simon testing Lesotho’s defence in the 6th minute as he attempted to cut in from the right wing, but the Crocodiles stood firm to repel his effort.
Despite enjoying greater possession, the Eagles struggled to find their rhythm as Lesotho’s compact backline limited space for Nigeria’s attackers to operate.
In the 38th minute, Osimhen came close to breaking the deadlock after beating his marker to connect with a cross from the right, only for Lesotho goalkeeper Sekhoane to produce a fine save. The first half ended goalless despite Nigeria’s attacking dominance.
The breakthrough came in the 53rd minute when Lesotho defender Motlomelo Mkwanazi was penalized for handling the ball inside the box following a shot from Moses Simon. Troost-Ekong confidently converted the resulting penalty, sending the ball into the bottom right corner to give Nigeria the lead.
The Super Eagles continued to press, and in the 80th minute, Osimhen turned provider, slipping a pass to Akor Adams, who controlled well before drilling his shot past Sekhoane to double Nigeria’s advantage.
Lesotho, however, pulled one back late in the game after a defensive lapse from Nigeria. A corner kick fell kindly to Hlompho Kalake, who fired past Stanley Nwabali to make it 2–1.
Despite the late scare, Nigeria held on to secure all three points and strengthen their bid for a place at the 2026 World Cup in North America.
Source Video: Ademola Victor TV