Super Eagles have kept dream of Nigeria qualification for the 2026 World Cup to be held in the North American continent alive, after their 2-1
win away from home against Lesotho .
The FIFA World Cup 2026 Africa qualifiers group C match played on Friday at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane , saw Eagles' Captain, William Troost-Ekong grabbing the first goal from the penalty spot in the 53rd minute while Akor Adamson doubled the lead in the 80th before the homeside reduced the tally in the 83rd minute
With the result, Nigeria retains its third position with 14 points in group C behind Benin Republic who also defeated Rwanda away from home to remain at the top with 17 points and South Africa in second position with 15 points, after dropping points in goaless draw at home with Zimbabwe
Eric Chelle had fielded a strong side with the return of the Galatasaray forward, Victor Osimhen and Saudi Pro League, Al-Kholood defender, William Troost-Ekong.
Moses Simon set the pace for the Eagles in the 6th minute as he tried to weave inside from the right wing, but the Crocodiles were strong in defence
Despite a dominant ball possession, Nigeria were sloppy in passing the ball as Lesotho’s back five prevented the opposition forwards from accessing enough space to operate in.
The second half resumed with Nigeria dominating possession and were duly rewarded in the 53rd minute when Motlomelo Mkwanazi was adjudged to have handled the ball, after he blocked a shot from Moses Simon.
Ekong stepped up to take the penalty kick, guiding it to the bottom right-hand corner.
Nigeria’s relentless pressure paid off as Osimhen, in the 80th minute, fed the ball to the right side of the penalty area to Akor Adamson, who took a touch and then drilled his effort past Sekhoane to double the lead.
However, the Crocodiles would get themselves back after a sloppy play from the Nigerian defence courtesy a corner kick that landed favourably to Hlompho Kalake, who whipped a shot over the top of Stanlee Nwabali.
Eagles must beat their counter-part from Benin Republic at home in Uyo in the last qualifier slated for Tuesday, October 14 to finish at the top of the table or move to the second spot as the best second placed team for a play-off qualification matches
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