The Super Eagles of Nigeria kept their 2026 World Cup qualification hopes alive with a 2-1 victory over Lesotho in South Africa on Friday.
Captain William Troost-Ekong opened the scoring in the 55th minute, converting from the penalty spot after a Lesotho defender handled Moses Simon’s goal-bound shot. The experienced defender sent the goalkeeper the wrong way to give the Super Eagles the lead.
Akor Adams doubled Nigeria’s advantage in the 80th minute with his first international goal, calmly slotting home after being set up by Victor Osimhen on a quick counterattack.
Lesotho, however, grabbed a late consolation through Hlompho Kalake, who capitalised on a mistake by goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to fire into the roof of the net.
The win takes Nigeria to 14 points, three behind group leaders Benin, who edged Rwanda 1-0. With South Africa held to a draw, the Super Eagles must now beat Benin in their final group game next Tuesday to seal a place at the 2026 World Cup.
