By Kabir Abdulrauf
Nigeria’s Super Eagles boosted their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification hopes with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Lesotho on Friday, keeping alive their dream of returning to the global stage in North America.
Head coach Eric Chelle named a strong lineup featuring the return of Victor Osimhen and William Troost-Ekong, as Nigeria dominated possession from the start. Moses Simon nearly opened the scoring in the sixth minute, but Lesotho’s defence held firm. Osimhen also came close before halftime, forcing a fine save from goalkeeper Sekhoane.
The breakthrough came in the 53rd minute, when Troost-Ekong converted a penalty after Motlomelo Mkwanazi handled the ball in the area. Later in the game, Akor Adams doubled Nigeria’s advantage in the 80th minute, finishing neatly after a slick move with Osimhen. Lesotho, however, pulled one back late through Hlompho Kalake after a defensive lapse, but the Super Eagles held on for all three points.
With the win, Nigeria climbed further in Group C, ahead of a crucial home clash against Benin Republic in Uyo.
The Cheetahs of Benin, led by former Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr, are expected to arrive in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Saturday afternoon after defeating Rwanda 1-0 in Kigali. The team will fly directly to Uyo for Tuesday’s encounter at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.
Benin currently sit top of Group C with 17 points from nine matches, while Nigeria will be hoping to close the gap and strengthen their bid for qualification. The clash promises high intensity, a test of resilience for the Eagles and a potential milestone for a Benin side chasing their first-ever World Cup appearance.
