Nigeria’s Super Eagles kept their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification hopes alive after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Lesotho in Polokwane on Friday. The result ensures that the race to next year’s World Cup in North America will go down to the wire on the final matchday.
While Nigeria triumphed over the Crocodiles, South Africa were held to a goalless draw by Zimbabwe in Durban, and Benin Republic secured a narrow 1-0 win against Rwanda in Kigali. The outcomes mean all three teams in Group C maintained their pre-match positions, with Benin Republic leading, South Africa in second, and Nigeria in third on 14 points.
The Super Eagles will now host table-toppers Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, on Tuesday, 14th October 2025, in a crucial fixture that could decide the group winner and automatic qualification ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be hosted by USA, Canada, and Mexico.
Match Recap: Nigeria 2–1 Lesotho
Nigeria started the game with strong intent. Tolu Arokodare came close twice in the first half — first with a header that went over the bar in the 12th minute, and later denied by the Lesotho goalkeeper from an Ademola Lookman cross in the 33rd minute. Victor Osimhen also saw his header saved three minutes later, and Arokodare’s late header before halftime went wide.
Nine minutes after the restart, a Lesotho defender handled the ball in the box from a Moses Simon strike, prompting the referee to award a penalty. Captain William Troost-Ekong confidently converted to give Nigeria the lead.
The Super Eagles kept pressing, with Alex Iwobi and Victor Osimhen coming close in quick succession. Osimhen hit the upright twice before finally making his mark — providing the assist for debutant Jerome Akor Adams, who turned past a defender to slot home Nigeria’s second goal in the 80th minute.
Lesotho’s Kalake pulled one back from a corner in the 83rd minute, but Nigeria held firm to secure all three points and move within touching distance of qualification.
What’s Next for the Super Eagles
Nigeria will face Benin Republic in Uyo on Tuesday in what promises to be a high-stakes encounter. A win for the Super Eagles, combined with a slip-up by South Africa against Rwanda, would see Nigeria top Group C and qualify automatically for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The stage is set for an electrifying final day — and the Super Eagles will be counting on the home crowd in Uyo to roar them to victory.
